Dozens Killed in Devastating Fire at Swiss Alps Bar During New Year’s Eve Celebration
CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a catastrophic fire erupted at Le Constellation, a popular bar nestled in the Swiss Alps, claiming the lives of dozens and injuring around 100 others. The blaze broke out at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time during a crowded New Year’s Eve celebration, transforming what should have been a night of joy into a scene of tragedy and chaos.
Authorities described the fire as explosive, with eyewitnesses recounting how flames rapidly engulfed the wooden interior of the bar. Two women who were inside at the time told French broadcaster BFMTV that the fire started when a male bartender carried a female bartender on his shoulders, and she held a lit candle in a bottle that accidentally ignited the wooden ceiling. The fire quickly spread, causing the ceiling to collapse and trapping many inside.
As panic ensued, patrons attempted to flee through narrow staircases and exits, with some forced to break windows to escape the inferno. Witnesses described a surge of people desperate to get out, likening the scene to a horror movie. Helicopters and ambulances rushed to the scene, transporting critically injured victims to nearby hospitals.
Mathias Rénard, head of the regional government, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “This evening should have been a moment of celebration and coming together, but it turned into a nightmare.” Frédéric Gisler, commander of the Valais Canton police, confirmed that “several tens of people” were killed in the fire. The regional hospital’s intensive care unit and operating theaters quickly reached full capacity due to the volume of injured.
Officials have ruled out terrorism as a cause, though the exact origin of the fire remains under investigation. The blaze is believed to have triggered a flashover or backdraft, a phenomenon where combustible gases ignite violently, intensifying the fire’s spread. The Swiss Federal Police and local authorities are leading the inquiry into the incident.
The municipality of Crans-Montana, known for its picturesque ski resorts and vibrant nightlife, has been left reeling from the disaster. Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the Swiss Rescue Services, coordinated the rescue and medical efforts amid difficult alpine conditions.
International visitors were among those affected, highlighting the global impact of the tragedy. Families gathered outside hospitals and the scene of the fire, anxiously searching for loved ones. Local officials have called for calm and support as the community mourns.
The incident underscores the critical importance of fire safety regulations in crowded venues, particularly in remote mountain areas where evacuation routes may be limited. The U.S. Fire Administration notes that flashover conditions can develop rapidly in enclosed spaces with combustible materials, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures.
As investigations continue, Swiss authorities have pledged to provide full support to victims and their families. The nation’s focus now turns to recovery and ensuring such a devastating event does not recur during future celebrations.
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