A memorial established to honor victims of Switzerland’s devastating New Year’s bar fire has itself been consumed by flames, according to local authorities. The incident occurred early Sunday morning in the alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, where the original tragedy claimed 41 lives and left 115 injured just over a month ago.
Regional police confirmed the makeshift memorial, containing floral tributes, candles, and handwritten condolence messages, ignited approximately at 6:00 AM local time (0500 GMT). Fire suppression teams responded promptly and successfully contained the blaze before it could spread further. Authorities have initiated a formal investigation to determine the ignition source and circumstances surrounding this secondary fire.
The memorial had been positioned adjacent to the charred remains of Le Constellation bar, the site of the January 1st catastrophe that predominantly affected teenagers and young adults celebrating the holiday. Recent relocation had placed the tribute at a slightly greater distance from the destroyed venue prior to Sunday’s incident.
Swiss national broadcaster RTS aired footage showing the fire-damaged structure, revealing a blackened protective tarpaulin—originally installed as weather shielding—now visible behind police cordons. This protective covering had been designed in an igloo-like configuration to shelter the emotional tribute from harsh winter conditions.
The original incident remains one of Switzerland’s deadliest fire disasters in recent decades, with the subsequent memorial blaze adding further distress to a community still processing profound grief. Investigation findings regarding both fires remain pending as forensic experts continue examining evidence from both locations.