A devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations has left dozens feared dead and around 100 others injured. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on January 1, 2024, transforming a festive gathering into a scene of chaos and tragedy. Local authorities have reported that “several tens of people” are presumed dead, according to Valais Canton police commander Frédéric Gisler. Efforts are underway to identify the victims and notify their families, though officials indicate that this process may take considerable time.
During a press conference, Gisler expressed the community’s devastation, stating, “It is premature to give you a more precise figure.” Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general of Valais Canton, confirmed that investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire. She emphasized that there is no indication of an attack, and experts have not yet accessed the wreckage.
Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Horrifying Scenes
Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of the chaos that unfolded. Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old from Paris, described the atmosphere as “total chaos.” Clavier recounted how he saw waitresses bringing champagne with sparklers just before the flames erupted. He initially sought refuge behind a table but eventually managed to escape through a window after breaking it with a table.
Two women who were inside the bar reported witnessing a male bartender lifting a female bartender on his shoulders with a lit candle in a bottle when the flames ignited, causing the wooden ceiling to collapse. Panic ensued as patrons attempted to flee the basement nightclub through a narrow staircase. Witnesses reported seeing individuals smashing windows to escape, many suffering severe injuries in the process.
One survivor likened the scene to a horror movie, describing a crowd surge as families rushed to the site to check if their loved ones were trapped inside. The injured were so numerous that the intensive care unit and operating theatre at the regional hospital quickly reached full capacity, according to Mathias Reynard, head of the regional government.
A Community in Mourning
Crans-Montana, located less than 5 kilometers from Sierre, is a popular destination known for its skiing and golfing. The tragedy comes nearly twelve years after a bus accident claimed 28 lives, including many children, in a Swiss tunnel. The local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution in the coming days to avoid overwhelming medical resources as they respond to this disaster.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed his condolences on social media, stating that the government’s “thoughts go to the victims, to the injured and their relatives.” Parmelin postponed a traditional New Year’s address to respect the victims’ families.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise even during moments of celebration. The investigation continues, and the community is left to mourn the lives lost in what was meant to be a joyous occasion.
