CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — A catastrophic fire erupted at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, leading to 40 fatalities and 119 injuries on New Year’s Eve. Investigators believe that sparkling candles placed atop Champagne bottles ignited the blaze when they came into contact with the bar’s ceiling, which was crowded with revelers celebrating the New Year's festivities.
The authorities are now examining whether the sound-dampening material on the ceiling met safety regulations and if the use of the sparking candles was permitted in the establishment. This unfortunate event marks one of the deadliest incidents in Switzerland's history, prompting officials to consider the adequacy of safety measures within the premises, such as fire extinguishers and escape routes. The attorney general for the Valais region indicated that potential prosecutions could follow if any criminal liability is uncovered.
Among those missing is 16-year-old Arthur Brodard from Lausanne, whose mother, Laetitia, expressed desperation on Friday, wishing to find her son, whether he was in intensive care or the morgue. The injured victims included numerous individuals from various countries, including 71 from Switzerland, 14 from France, and 11 from Italy, alongside others from Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland. The nationalities of 14 additional victims remain unclear.
The bar had been packed with party-goers when the inferno broke out, and many experienced life-threatening situations as they attempted to escape the smoke-filled room. Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old from Paris, described the chaotic scene, where he saw servers bringing in bottles topped with sparklers. Witnesses reported a rush towards the only exit while the flames spread rapidly, leading to a crush of people hastily trying to escape through a narrow doorway.
Some individuals attempted to rescue others, reflecting moments of bravery and solidarity amid the chaos. Gianni Campolo, a Swiss vacationer, helped emergency responders at the scene, while another teenager, Marc-Antoine Chavanon, worked to assist those who were trapped inside the bar. The accounts of witnesses highlight the horror of the situation, with people suffering severe burns, making it difficult for authorities to identify the deceased. Families have been asked to provide DNA samples for identification, as many personal belongings were destroyed in the flames.
Among the missing is Emanuele Galeppini, a promising 18-year-old golfer, whose family awaits the results of DNA tests to confirm his status after the Italian Golf Federation announced his death. This tragedy casts a shadow over what should have been an evening of celebration as Crans-Montana is renowned for its high-altitude ski runs and has hosted numerous international events.
Emergency efforts continue to assess the implications of the fire and seek justice for the victims. The regional government has acknowledged the heroism exhibited by many citizens who, in the initial moments, took it upon themselves to save lives, demonstrating a profound sense of community and quick action during a catastrophic event.
