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In the early hours of the first day of the year, a devastating fire broke out at a bar in the scenic ski resort of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during New Year celebrations. This tragic incident has profoundly affected the local community and beyond, resulting in reports of approximately 40 fatalities and around 115 severe injuries.
Details of the incident
The fire erupted at approximately 1:30 a.m. at a popular venue called Le Constellation, where over 100 partygoers had gathered to welcome the New Year. Witnesses recounted a scene of chaos as flames spread quickly, exacerbated by the festive atmosphere. Initial evaluations indicate that the fire was likely accidental, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Witness accounts
Accounts from individuals present during the fire reveal a distressing scene. Samuel Rapp, a young man at the location, described the moments following the event: “There were people screaming, and then people lying on the ground, probably dead. They had jackets over their faces — well, that’s what I saw, nothing more.” Such vivid descriptions underscore the panic that ensued as patrons attempted to flee the flames.
Dominic Dubois, another witness, shared further observations: “You could see the orange. The orange, yellow, red. There were many, many gory scenes.” He emphasized the bravery of some individuals who risked their own safety to help others amid the chaos.
Emergency response and aftermath
Emergency services responded rapidly, with police, firefighters, and medical personnel arriving at the scene. The Valais hospital quickly filled to capacity, necessitating the transport of injured individuals to facilities in neighboring regions. Mathias Reynard, head of the cantonal government, confirmed that patients were being relocated to various hospitals across Switzerland, including those in Sion, Lausanne, and Geneva.
Identifying the victims
The identification of victims is proving to be a significant challenge due to the severity of their injuries. Many of the deceased are believed to be young adults. Authorities are working diligently to notify families. Frédéric Gisler, the police commander of Valais canton, remarked, “That will take time, and for the time being it is premature to give you a more precise figure.” Meanwhile, offers of assistance have poured in from neighboring countries, including Italy and France, as they prepare to support the affected families.
Community impact and global response
This incident has sent shockwaves through both the local community and the international arena. Guy Parmelin, the Swiss president, described the event as “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever known.” He expressed sorrow for what was meant to be a joyous celebration, now transformed into a day of mourning.
International leaders have expressed their condolences following the tragedy. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that several Italian nationals are among the victims. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Bern has reassured citizens that it is in contact with Swiss authorities and has established a helpline for families seeking information on their loved ones.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Speculation suggests that it may have originated from fireworks or other pyrotechnics used during the celebrations. Local police have emphasized that there is currently no evidence indicating a terrorist attack. The focus remains on determining the precise circumstances surrounding the blaze.
Crans-Montana community unites after New Year’s Eve tragedy
The Crans-Montana community, renowned for its stunning scenery and lively ski culture, is embarking on a challenging path to recovery. The ski resort, a popular destination for visitors worldwide, is set to host major events in the upcoming weeks, complicating the healing process.
This New Year’s Eve fire serves as a tragic reminder of life’s fragility. The incident will leave a profound impact on everyone affected. As the community comes together to confront this hardship, stories of bravery and kindness amid the turmoil are beginning to surface.