A devastating fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 people and left around 100 others injured, many of them seriously. The incident occurred during a crowded New Year’s Eve party at Le Constellation, a popular venue in the upscale ski resort, around 01:30 on January 1, 2024. Swiss officials have indicated that the fire appears to have been accidental, with an investigation currently underway.
During a press conference, prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud stated, “At the moment we are considering this a fire and we are not considering the possibility of an attack.” The cause of the fire, initially thought to be an explosion, remains under investigation. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the blaze may have started in the basement after a bottle containing “birthday candles” was held too close to the wooden ceiling.
Two French women, who were present at the bar, recounted their escape. They explained that the fire spread rapidly across the ceiling, prompting chaos as patrons attempted to flee. “The fire spread across the ceiling super quickly,” one of the women told BFM TV. The pair managed to climb a narrow staircase to safety just before the flames reached the ground floor.
Video footage verified by Reuters captured the harrowing scene outside the establishment, showing people running and screaming as the fire raged. Frederic Gisler, head of police for the Valais canton, revealed that a helpline had been established for families affected by the tragedy. “I can’t hide from you that we are all shaken by what happened overnight in Crans,” he remarked during the press conference.
Swiss authorities have dispatched patients to hospitals in Sion, Lausanne, Geneva, and Zurich. The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed that information from Swiss police indicated around 40 fatalities, although Gisler refrained from providing a specific death toll at that time. Many victims reportedly suffered from burns, and the area surrounding the bar has been cordoned off, with a no-fly zone established over Crans-Montana.
In a statement on social media, Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed his condolences, stating, “What was meant to be a moment of joy turned, on the first day of the year in Crans-Montana, into mourning that touches the entire country and far beyond.”
As authorities work to identify the victims, Pilloud noted that extensive forensic resources are being allocated to facilitate the return of bodies to their families. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani suggested that the fire may have been ignited by fireworks, stating, “It seems to have been an accident caused by a fire, by some explosion, by some firecracker thrown during New Year’s celebrations.”
The tragedy has left a profound impact not only on the local community but also on the broader international audience, as many victims were from various countries. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing support to those affected and ensuring that families receive the answers they need in the wake of this tragic event.
