On January 1, 2024, a devastating fire at the Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, claimed the lives of at least 40 individuals and left many others injured. As the community grapples with this tragedy, survivors and their families are confronting the profound impact of the event.
Yaron Lavy, a 17-year-old Australian, was on his way to the nightclub when he made a fateful decision to stop at a nearby hotel for a glass of water. This choice likely saved his life. “I was lucky – because of a glass of water,” Lavy explained, reflecting on how he and his friends had initially planned to visit the popular venue. Instead, they diverted and never entered the club, where they had been just days earlier.
As news of the fire spread, Lavy’s concern for his friends grew. He quickly made his way to the scene, where he witnessed first responders working tirelessly to assist those affected. “I got to the front, and I just saw all these people, all the ambulances, all the fire trucks, and I was just traumatised,” he recounted. The fire erupted shortly after 01:30, and emergency services responded swiftly, but chaos ensued, with some witnesses reporting screams continuing until 04:30.
Videos circulating on social media depict the nightclub engulfed in flames, while accounts from the scene reveal harrowing experiences. One witness described wrapping victims in curtains to provide warmth, as many emerged from the inferno severely burned and without clothing. Lavy expressed concern for several local teenagers who remain unaccounted for, including a young man listed as missing and another girl in the hospital.
In a remarkable display of courage, Paolo Campolo, a financial analyst and father, rushed to the club after receiving a call from his daughter. He has been hailed as a hero for rescuing multiple individuals from the fire. “I pulled kids out with my bare hands,” he told the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero from his hospital bed, where he is recovering from smoke inhalation. His actions, alongside those of other local volunteers, played a crucial role in saving lives that night.
The community of Crans-Montana has come together in mourning, with families and friends leaving flowers at makeshift memorials. Mathias Reynard, head of the Valais regional government, commended the “heroic actions” of citizens, particularly young people, who displayed solidarity and courage during the crisis.
As families await news of their loved ones, the emotional toll deepens. Laetitia Brodard-Sitre is among those searching for answers about her 16-year-old son, Arthur Brodard-Sitre, who sent a New Year’s message from the nightclub but has since gone silent. “I don’t know how severe his burns are, I don’t know if he’s recognisable,” she told Reuters, capturing the anguish experienced by many parents.
The Swiss police have indicated that identifying some victims will take several days due to the severe burns sustained. Some survivors have been placed in induced comas, and many are suffering from third-degree burns. As the community continues to mourn, Lavy reflects on the tragic reality of the night. “It could have been me,” he said, acknowledging the randomness of fate that separated him from those who were not so fortunate.
The impact of this tragedy extends beyond immediate losses, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the fire and the grief of those left behind. As more information emerges, the hope remains that survivors will recover, and families will find closure in the days ahead.
