An Italian man is anxiously awaiting news of his missing friend after a catastrophic fire erupted during a New Year's Eve celebration at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. The unnamed man shared his concerns with Rai News, expressing that several acquaintances were inside the bar when the blaze began. One friend managed to spot the fire and alerted the bodyguards outside, prompting a response that saw many individuals, who were queuing to enter, follow the bodyguards downstairs to investigate. However, they quickly retreated upon noticing the flames.
According to the young man, one of his friends sustained severe burn injuries while another was airlifted to Zurich for treatment. “Another friend of ours... last night we had no news, he couldn't be found,” he lamented. “My friends and I, we haven't slept all night; we've barely eaten.” This tragic incident has left many in shock as the celebrations turned into chaos.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the fire as a moment of joy that has transformed into a tragedy impacting not only Switzerland but also the international community. The incident took place in southwestern Switzerland, close to the borders of France and Italy, leading both nations to extend their support. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is closely monitoring the situation to determine if any Italian nationals were affected, while her foreign minister has offered assistance, including access to a Milan hospital's burn unit and emergency services from the nearby Aosta Valley.
In a display of solidarity, French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed full support for Switzerland and the affected families. As reported, over 100 injured individuals have been transported to various hospitals across Switzerland, with the director of Lausanne University Hospital confirming the arrival of 22 patients, the majority of whom are between the ages of 16 and 26 and suffering from serious injuries.
According to Imogen Foulkes, reporting from Geneva, forensic investigators from Zurich are currently at the site of the incident. Initial findings suggest that the fire was not the result of an attack but rather a rapid spread of a flashover fire, where combustible materials ignite swiftly. Determining the cause of the fire and the reasons behind the high casualty count is a top priority. Swiss police have reported that dozens of victims are believed to have perished, many of whom were young tourists.
In light of the overwhelming number of casualties, authorities have urged the public not to overload the health system, especially the emergency wards and burns units that are already at capacity. As one emergency worker remarked, “A time of celebration has become a nightmare.”
Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes as individuals tried to escape the flames. One witness recounted to the BBC how he rushed into the burning building in an attempt to save people inside. “We heard a big explosion and then saw a lot of smoke,” he explained. In his desperate attempt to help, he broke a window to facilitate an escape route. Inside, he encountered horrendous sights: people engulfed in flames, with no clothing left. He bravely offered assistance, providing water and clothes to the injured.
Another eyewitness, Oleh Paska, shared his experience of hearing explosions while celebrating the new year with his family nearby. Initially mistaking the noise for celebratory fireworks, he soon realized the severity of the situation as emergency services arrived. The area, usually bustling with tourists, has become eerily quiet in the aftermath of the tragedy.
French nationals Emma and Albane, who were also celebrating at Le Constellation, suggested that the fire may have originated from a candle placed too close to the wooden ceiling. They described how a waitress had put birthday candles on champagne bottles, and in mere moments, the entire ceiling was ablaze. Evacuation was challenging due to narrow exits, with around 200 people trying to escape the flames.
Local journalist Romaine Morard, who was born in Valais, expressed the deep shock felt across the region. “These are young people who simply went out to have fun and didn't return home,” she lamented, recalling a similar tragedy—the Sierre tunnel accident in 2012, which claimed 28 lives, including 22 children. The community is united in grief as they come to terms with this latest tragedy.
The UK Foreign Office has also expressed its condolences, offering support to any British nationals affected by the incident. As the situation unfolds, the Swiss authorities continue to provide updates, and the international community stands in solidarity with those impacted by the fire at Le Constellation bar.