Situated in the heart of Crans-Montana, a luxurious resort town renowned for its appeal among affluent tourists, Le Constellation has long been a favored nightspot for locals and visitors alike. This spacious venue, known for its live music and billiard tables, offered a more casual atmosphere compared to the upscale nightclubs scattered throughout the village. Notably, Le Constellation provided an inviting option for those seeking a lively night out, serving hot chocolate and a variety of drinks at prices that were significantly more affordable than its high-end counterparts.
One of the bar's key attractions was its lack of an entrance fee, making it a popular hangout for teenagers and young adults in their early twenties. With the legal drinking age in Switzerland set at 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits, many young revelers found their way to this vibrant spot. The bar also featured a downstairs area that transformed into a dance floor, where D.J.s entertained crowds, especially during festive occasions like New Year’s Eve.
On Wednesday night, as many celebrated the arrival of the New Year, a devastating fire erupted at Le Constellation, turning a night of joy into a scene of horror. The Swiss authorities have yet to publicly identify any victims of this tragic incident, but family members have reported that several individuals still unaccounted for are as young as 16 years old. These families have taken to social media and news outlets to share their appeals for information.
Le Constellation is conveniently located near a gondola that transports skiers to the nearby mountains, making it a hotspot for those enjoying the winter sports scene. Amin Momen, the founder of Momentum Experiences, a London-based travel company, noted that his clients often visited the bar to catch live sports events, further establishing its reputation as a lively gathering place in the resort town.
François Barras, a 73-year-old Swiss diplomat who grew up in Crans-Montana and returned in retirement, resides in an apartment directly across from Le Constellation. He described the bar as a popular choice for a younger audience, primarily those in their late teens and early twenties. Having organized an event at the bar several years ago, Mr. Barras was familiar with the venue and its layout, noting that the downstairs area lacked windows, in contrast to the top floor.
Mr. Barras recounted that he initially perceived the noise from the bar as typical New Year’s Eve festivities until he was awakened by the sound of sirens around 2 a.m. on Thursday. “It’s a nightmare for the families,” he expressed, highlighting the heartbreaking contrast between the celebratory atmosphere of the mountain town and the tragedy that unfolded. The community is now left to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event, as they mourn the loss of young lives and support the families affected by this tragedy.