On New Year's Day, a devastating fire erupted at the Le Constellation bar in the renowned Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, leading to a tragic loss of life and numerous injuries. Investigators have confirmed that the fire was sparked by sparklers on Champagne bottles that ignited the bar's ceiling, resulting in chaos and panic as patrons attempted to escape.
Authorities report that approximately 40 people perished in the fire, with many victims being teenagers who were celebrating the holiday. The intensity of the blaze has caused significant challenges for investigators, who are tasked with identifying the badly burned remains of victims. This process may take several days, leaving families anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. As of Friday, Swiss authorities have identified 113 out of the 119 injured individuals, but the search for missing persons continues.
Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general for Switzerland's Valais Canton, stated that the investigation is ongoing, with officials interviewing two bar managers to understand the internal layout and capacity of the venue. Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing scene where a man attempted to extinguish the flames with a cloth, but the fire quickly spread to the upper levels of the bar.
Videos circulating on social media capture the chaos, with screams echoing as patrons rushed to escape through narrow exits. Many suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation, and several individuals remain hospitalized across Switzerland and in neighboring countries like France, Italy, and Germany. As of now, at least two dozen people are still unaccounted for.
Survivors have recounted how the fire began. One witness, 16-year-old Axel Cavalier, described a scene where a woman on another's shoulders was waving birthday sparklers too close to the ceiling, igniting the foam insulation. This crucial detail highlights the tragic and accidental nature of the incident.
Lucas Rebot, a 24-year-old who attempted to enter the bar shortly before the fire, noted that the venue was at full capacity and he had previously observed the ceiling covered in foam insulation. His insights, along with those from other witnesses, are vital to the ongoing investigation.
Initially, authorities indicated there was no evidence of an attack or explosion, affirming that the fire appeared to be accidental. Beatrice Pilloud emphasized that the investigation aims to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, without any suspects currently identified. Forensic experts are now employing dental and DNA records to assist in identifying the deceased.
Crans-Montana's mayor, Nicolas Feraud, highlighted that the primary objective is to properly identify all victims, a process that may take considerable time due to the sensitive nature of the situation. Among the first victims identified was promising young Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini, mourned by the Italian Golf Federation as a passionate athlete embodying authentic values.
Crans-Montana is not only a prime destination for winter sports enthusiasts but also a vibrant international golf resort during the warmer months. The tragic events of New Year's Day have cast a shadow over this beloved location, prompting a thorough investigation to ensure safety and prevent future disasters.