In the midst of the devastating New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, which claimed 40 lives on January 1, 2026, one story of extraordinary bravery has emerged. Paolo Campolo, a 55-year-old Swiss-Italian banker, raced from his nearby home into the inferno after a frantic phone call from his teenage daughter, ultimately helping rescue at least 10 young people trapped inside. His quick thinking and fearless actions—prying open a locked emergency door—created a vital escape route, turning what could have been an even greater tragedy into acts of heroism amid unimaginable chaos.

A Night of Celebration Shattered

The blaze erupted shortly after 1:30 a.m. during a packed New Year’s party in the basement bar, popular among young locals and visitors. Over 150 revelers, many teenagers, were dancing and toasting with champagne bottles topped with sparkling fountains—a festive ritual that tragically backfired when sparks ignited flammable ceiling materials.

Videos from inside show the initial joy: cheers as bottles were carried aloft, some with staff elevated on shoulders. But flames spread rapidly, leading to a deadly flashover. Panic set in as smoke filled the space, exits jammed, and the ceiling threatened collapse.

The fire’s toll was heartbreaking: 40 dead, including many under 18, and over 100 injured, dozens critically burned. Crans-Montana, a luxurious Alpine destination, became a scene of sorrow overnight.

The Phone Call That Sparked Heroism

Paolo Campolo was hosting a quiet New Year’s gathering at home with his fiancée when his 17-year-old daughter, Paolina, called in distress. She had planned to meet her boyfriend at Le Constellation but was delayed, stopping by to toast and share panettone—a fortunate pause that kept her outside when the fire broke out.

Paolina alerted her father that her boyfriend and friends were trapped inside. Living just 50 yards away, Campolo spotted an eerie glow from his window—the flames next door. Without hesitation, he rushed out, driven by paternal instinct and proximity.

Arriving amid chaos, Campolo—joined by another rescuer—located a side emergency door that was locked or jammed. Using sheer force, he pried it open, creating an additional exit as smoke poured out and flames roared. Badly burned and screaming victims tumbled through, some unconscious, speaking in multiple languages. Campolo pulled youngsters out with his bare hands, guiding at least 10 to safety before smoke inhalation forced him back.

Speaking from a hospital bed in Sion, treating smoke-filled lungs, Campolo described the horror: young faces pleading for help, the overwhelming heat, and strangers uniting in desperation. He noted the victims’ youth—”they were very young”—a haunting observation in a venue frequented by minors.

Why He Detected the Fire in Time

Campolo’s ability to respond swiftly stemmed from sheer chance and location. His daughter’s delay and call provided immediate alert, while his home’s proximity—mere steps away—allowed arrival before first responders. Spotting the glow from his window gave crucial seconds, enabling him to act as flames escalated.

Without that phone call and nearness, more lives might have been lost. Paolina’s brief visit home proved lifesaving for others, underscoring fate’s fragile role.

A Community Honors a Hero

Campolo’s bravery has earned widespread admiration. In a tragedy defined by loss, his actions offer light—saving young lives who now recover with families. He downplayed heroism, crediting instinct and teamwork, but the impact is undeniable.

The incident has sparked a criminal probe into safety lapses: flammable materials, sparklers indoors, exits, and capacity. As Crans-Montana mourns with vigils and memorials, Campolo’s story inspires resilience.

In chaos, one father’s choice—fueled by a daughter’s plea—saved lives. Paolo Campolo’s courage reminds us heroism often arises from love and proximity, turning ordinary people into saviors.