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The peaceful slopes of Crans-Montana were transformed into a scene of devastation on New Year’s Eve when a fire erupted at the popular Le Constellation bar. Approximately 40 lives were lost, and over 100 individuals sustained injuries. As the investigation unfolds, officials face the challenging task of identifying the victims amidst the chaos.
The first casualty publicly recognized was Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old Italian golfer residing in Dubai. His identification marked the beginning of a painful process for families searching for their loved ones.
Investigation and victim identification efforts
In the aftermath of the fire, Crans-Montana’s mayor, Nicolas Feraud, addressed the media, emphasizing the primary goal of accurately identifying the deceased. The severity of the burns complicates identification, prompting officials to utilize dental records and DNA analysis to provide families with definitive answers regarding their missing relatives.
Community response and pleas for information
As the community grapples with the tragedy, parents and friends of the missing have taken to social media, sharing photos and messages in hopes of locating their loved ones. One mother expressed her anguish on national television, stating, “I’ve been searching for my son for over 30 hours. The uncertainty is unbearable. I just want to know if he is alive or if I need to prepare for the worst.” This sentiment resonates throughout the community, as many await news of those still unaccounted for.
In a statement from Global Affairs Canada, officials indicated that they have not confirmed any Canadian citizens among the victims, while families from Italy and France also await news regarding their nationals. The Italian government is actively involved, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expected to visit the site to assess the situation.
Understanding the cause of the fire
While the precise cause of the fire remains under investigation, initial eyewitness accounts suggest that the flames may have ignited due to sparkling candles positioned too close to the bar’s ceiling. The bar, known for its festive atmosphere, was packed with revelers celebrating the New Year when the blaze broke out around 1:30 AM.
Eyewitness accounts and the aftermath
Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of the chaos that ensued. As flames engulfed the bar, panic spread rapidly among patrons, many of whom struggled to escape through a single, narrow staircase. Eyewitnesses described scenes of utter despair and horror, with some individuals emerging from the inferno covered in burns. One survivor recounted, “We thought it was just a small fire, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. It felt like an apocalypse.”
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation will determine whether safety regulations were adhered to, including the adequacy of emergency exits. Swiss President Guy Parmelin labeled the incident a “calamity of unprecedented proportions” and ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast in mourning.
A community in mourning
As the investigation continues, the local community has united to honor the victims. A candlelight vigil drew hundreds of residents, who gathered to pay their respects and express solidarity. Flowers and candles adorned makeshift altars near the site of the tragedy, as many reflected on the fragility of life in the wake of such a devastating event.
This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of life’s unexpectedness. As one local remarked, “You think you’re safe during celebrations, but such horrors can happen anywhere. These were ordinary people, just like us.”
The first casualty publicly recognized was Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old Italian golfer residing in Dubai. His identification marked the beginning of a painful process for families searching for their loved ones.0