The new year had barely begun when a lively celebration at Le Constellation turned into tragedy. The popular bar, nestled in the luxurious Crans-Montana ski resort in the Swiss Alps, was bustling with revellers dancing to energetic hip-hop beats. As the clock struck midnight, the youthful crowd of teenagers and young adults had no intentions of leaving the festive atmosphere. Outside, the darkened streets of Crans-Montana contrasted sharply with the vibrant party scene, but the joy would soon be overshadowed by catastrophe.
Early on New Year’s Day, just after 1:30 am, chaos erupted as flames engulfed the basement of the bar. Witnesses reported that a bartender was seen carrying a female staff member on his shoulders, holding a champagne bottle adorned with a lit sparkler or flare. Unverified images circulating on social media suggested that a white flame erupted from a champagne magnum, igniting the wooden ceiling above the bar area. Speculations also arose regarding potential charcoal spills from shisha pipes. Regardless of the cause, flames quickly spread, transforming the venue into a scene of horror.
Social media videos captured terrifying moments as patrons, silhouetted against the fire, rushed to escape while the music continued to play. Witnesses reported individuals using their sweaters in futile attempts to extinguish the flames. The fire escalated into what Swiss officials termed an embrasement généralisé, a catastrophic fire characterized by explosive combustion. Survivors Emma and Albane recounted how the entire ceiling was ablaze, emphasizing how rapidly the fire spread, leaving little time for escape.
As screams pierced the air, chaos ensued. Many fled towards a narrow staircase, while others attempted to break windows that had turned black and unseeable due to the smoke. Sixteen-year-old Axel Clavier from Paris described the suffocating environment, recalling how he used a table to push a plexiglass window out to escape the “total chaos.” Outside, bystanders rushed to help, with one man recounting his desperate attempts to rescue his brother, witnessing horrific scenes of people engulfed in flames.
Emergency responders arrived just two minutes after receiving the first reports of smoke. Bystanders and first responders united in efforts to pull people from the oppressive heat of the bar into the cold night. A nearby UBS bank branch opened its doors to provide refuge for those fleeing the disaster. As the night unfolded, a substantial emergency response, including fire engines, police vehicles, and around 40 ambulances, mobilized to Crans-Montana. Helicopters joined the rescue efforts, while families anxiously awaited news of their loved ones.
As dawn broke, the stark reality of the tragedy emerged. Approximately 40 individuals lost their lives, with more than 115 injured, many in critical condition. The Valais canton police commander, Frédéric Gisler, shared the devastating news during a press conference, noting that the community was reeling from the incident. Hospitals in the region, including those in neighboring countries, prepared to treat victims, with ages ranging from 16 to 26.
By midday, the juxtaposition of bright sunlight against the emergency scene was striking. Switzerland’s president, Guy Parmelin, visited the site where forensic teams were at work. Flags across the country were ordered to fly at half-mast for five days, marking a national period of mourning. Parmelin reflected on the lost potential of the young victims who had dreams and aspirations.
Authorities, including Valais canton’s attorney general Beatrice Pilloud, ruled out arson or terrorism as causes of the fire. The investigation into the emergency exits and safety protocols at Le Constellation is ongoing, with no arrests made thus far. As darkness fell over Crans-Montana again, the local community grappled with the aftermath of the tragedy. Many young locals gathered to honor their peers, laying flowers near the police cordon, while tourists continued their activities, seemingly unaware of the profound loss that had struck the town.
In this tragic turn of events, the festive atmosphere of New Year’s Day in Crans-Montana was irrevocably altered, leaving a mark on the hearts of many as they mourn the loss of life and the promise of a new year.