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A fire at a packed bar in Crans-Montana, a well-known ski resort in Switzerland, resulted in significant casualties on New Year’s Eve. Official reports confirm that approximately 40 individuals have lost their lives, with around 115 others sustaining serious injuries. Rescue teams are responding to the devastating incident as the community grapples with the aftermath.
The fire broke out at around 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation, a popular venue among young people. Eyewitness accounts depict scenes of chaos and panic as patrons attempted to escape the flames.
The unfolding disaster
Initial investigations indicate that the fire may have been accidental, despite initial speculation regarding an explosion. Witnesses reported hearing screams and saw individuals collapse. Samuel Rapp, a 21-year-old eyewitness, described the scene: “There were people lying on the ground, probably dead, covered with jackets.” First responders faced an overwhelming situation filled with confusion and urgency.
Identifying the victims
Officials have begun the challenging process of identifying the deceased. Police commander Frédéric Gisler highlighted the difficulties presented by the severity of the victims’ injuries, with many remaining unidentifiable due to extensive burns. Families of the victims are awaiting updates, as the identification process is expected to take considerable time.
Community response and support
The fire has shocked the community, located in the Swiss Alps, just 40 kilometers north of the Matterhorn and 130 kilometers south of Zurich. Known for its winter sports and festive atmosphere, the local hospital’s intensive care unit quickly reached full capacity, prompting the transfer of patients to other facilities.
In response to the disaster, local authorities mobilized substantial resources, including 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances, to assist in rescue efforts. Among the victims are individuals from various countries, underscoring the tragedy’s international scope. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that at least 16 Italians are unaccounted for.
Eyewitness accounts
Dominic Dubois, who was heading to another bar when the fire erupted, described the horrifying visuals as flames engulfed the venue. “You could see the orange, yellow, and red of the flames,” he recalled. Many individuals risked their safety to help pull victims from the wreckage. Nearby businesses opened their doors to offer warmth and comfort to those fleeing the inferno.
Dubois noted the sharp temperature contrast as patrons moved from the intense heat of the bar to the frigid outdoor air, presenting additional risks to those affected. Despite the turmoil, he commended the bravery of individuals who maintained their composure amid the crisis.
Official investigations and future implications
The investigation into the fire’s origins is ongoing, with reports suggesting that a firework set off inside the bar may have ignited the flames. Some witnesses reported seeing a barman carrying a barmaid who was holding a lit candle in a bottle that ignited the wooden ceiling, leading to a rapid spread of fire. This likely caused a flashover, a dangerous phenomenon where combustible gases ignite, exacerbating the disaster.
Authorities continue to piece together the sequence of events, sealing off the area around the bar and establishing a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana. The region is set to host the upcoming Alpine World Ski Championships, raising concerns about the implications of this tragedy on future events.
The fire broke out at around 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation, a popular venue among young people. Eyewitness accounts depict scenes of chaos and panic as patrons attempted to escape the flames.0