Crans-Montana: 16-Year-Old Fire Survivor Plays Soccer in Hospital (Video)

Leonardo Bove, a 16-year-old survivor of a devastating fire at the Le Constellation club in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, is showing remarkable resilience as he continues his recovery. The blaze, which occurred on New Year's Day 2026, claimed the lives of 41 people.

Bove sustained severe burns covering 60% of his body. He spent seven months in the Niguarda hospital's burn center in Milan, undergoing multiple surgeries and a rigorous rehabilitation program. After being discharged on July 17, he took another step toward normalcy by attending a match of his beloved Inter Milan team.

Integral to his recovery was a unique approach by the medical team. Italian media reported that doctors sought ways to gradually strengthen the teenager's muscle function while simultaneously boosting his morale. A video shared shows Bove playing soccer in his hospital room with a medical team member, using a "ball" made from an air-filled medical glove for the exercise.

The fire at Le Constellation broke out around 1:30 AM on January 1, 2026, during New Year's celebrations. Hundreds of people were inside when the fire rapidly spread, causing panic and hindering evacuation. The victims were predominantly young adults and teenagers, aged 14 to 39. Many of the approximately 115 injured suffered severe burns requiring specialized care across Europe.