CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — A devastating fire erupted at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana during a New Year celebration, resulting in the tragic deaths of approximately 40 people and injuring around 115 others, many critically. The incident occurred less than two hours after midnight on Thursday, marking it as one of the worst tragedies in Switzerland’s history. In response, the Swiss government announced five days of national mourning.
The Crans-Montana resort, famed for its ski slopes and golf courses, quickly transformed from a festive location to a site of unimaginable grief. Valais Canton police commander Frédéric Gisler emphasized the community's devastation and stated that efforts to identify the fatalities and inform their families are currently underway. Among the injured, thirteen were Italian citizens, with an additional six Italians still unaccounted for, raising concerns among their families.
Valais Canton attorney general Beatrice Pilloud announced that it is too early to ascertain the cause of the fire, as investigators have yet to access the wreckage. She clarified that there is no indication of an attack, and the investigation is aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the fire. Pilloud also noted that the bar's occupancy at the time of the incident remains uncertain, and no suspects have been identified or arrested.
Survivors of the blaze described scenes of chaos. Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old from Paris, recounted a terrifying experience as he attempted to escape smoke and flames. He witnessed friends fleeing and saw at least one friend lose their life in the incident. Clavier managed to break a Plexiglas window to escape but lost his belongings in the process, stating, "I am still alive and it’s just stuff." Another witness reported observing frantic individuals trying to escape from a basement nightclub, underscoring the panic that overtook the crowd.
Accounts from survivors indicated that an alcohol-related incident might have contributed to the fire's ignition. One witness described a male bartender hoisting a female bartender who was holding a lit candle, suggesting that this might have sparked the rapidly spreading flames, which led to the collapse of the bar’s wooden ceiling. In the ensuing chaos, people reportedly smashed windows to flee the inferno, evident of the dire situation as many tried to escape while sustaining injuries.
Families of the missing, such as Carla Masielli, whose son Giovanni Tamburi is unaccounted for, expressed their anguish and desperation for information. Masielli's plea highlights the emotional toll on those searching for loved ones amid the tragedy. The volume of injured individuals overwhelmed local hospitals, leading to rapid capacity issues in intensive care units and operating rooms.
Mathias Reynard, head of the regional government of the Valais Canton, reflected on the disappointing turn from celebration to disaster, expressing that the event should have been a time of joy and togetherness. With a significant number of Italian nationals affected, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani plans to visit the site to offer support and assistance.
The resort town, nestled high in the Alps and popular with winter sports enthusiasts, is known for its high-altitude skiing and golf tournaments. Meanwhile, local authorities urged cautious behavior among residents and tourists, as medical resources are currently stretched thin. This incident is reminiscent of past tragedies, including a deadly fire in Volendam, Netherlands, 25 years ago that claimed 14 lives over New Year’s celebrations.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin, addressing the nation, called for unity and reflection on the profound tragedy, stating that emergency personnel faced harrowing scenes while attending to those affected. He emphasized that despite the hardships faced, Switzerland is strong and resilient in the face of adversity, highlighting the importance of community support during such trying times.
