A devastating fire erupted at a bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations, leading to fears of dozens of fatalities and approximately 100 injuries. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on January 1, 2024, transforming the festive atmosphere at the Le Constellation bar into a scene of chaos and despair. Local police confirmed that “several tens of people” are presumed dead, as emergency services continue their efforts to identify victims and notify their families.
Frédéric Gisler, the police commander for Valais Canton, addressed the media, stating that while the situation is tragic, it is too early to provide a precise casualty figure. The community is in mourning, grappling with the shock of the incident. Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general for Valais, indicated that investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing, noting that experts have yet to examine the wreckage. She further emphasized, “At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack.”
Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos
Survivors described harrowing scenes as they attempted to escape the flames. Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old from Paris, recounted the “total chaos” inside the bar. He witnessed friends go missing and described his desperate efforts to flee the smoke-filled venue. Initially hiding behind a table, Clavier ran upstairs and used a table to break a window, ultimately escaping with only the clothes on his back. “I am still alive and it’s just stuff,” he said, reflecting on his loss.
Witnesses reported a male bartender lifting a female bartender while she held a lit candle, which ignited the flames. As the fire spread rapidly, patrons surged towards the exits, causing panic and confusion. One survivor likened the experience to a horror film, observing from across the street as people scrambled to escape.
Emergency responders faced overwhelming challenges, with the local hospital’s intensive care unit reaching full capacity shortly after the blaze began. Mathias Reynard, head of the regional government of Valais, expressed deep sorrow, stating, “This evening should have been a moment of celebration and coming together, but it turned into a nightmare.”
Community in Mourning
Crans-Montana, renowned for its skiing and golfing, has been a popular destination for tourists. The resort, located less than 5 kilometers from Sierre, is known for its picturesque landscapes and high-altitude runs. The community’s grief is compounded by the memory of a tragic 2012 bus crash in Sierre that claimed 28 lives.
As authorities continue their investigation, they urge caution among the local population to prevent further accidents, as the medical resources are already strained. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers even in celebratory settings.
In response to the tragedy, Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed heartfelt condolences on social media, noting that the government’s thoughts are with the victims and their families. This incident marks a somber start to his presidency, which began on January 1, 2024. In light of the events, he postponed a scheduled New Year’s address to honor the victims.
As the community grapples with this heartbreaking event, the focus remains on supporting those affected and uncovering the full details behind the tragedy that turned a night of joy into a profound loss.
