A devastating fire engulfed the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during New Year’s Eve celebrations, resulting in approximately 40 fatalities and leaving hundreds with severe burns. The incident occurred around 01:30400 patrons at the time.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as explosions rang out, triggering panic among the crowd. An emergency services spokesman noted that many tables were adorned with sparklers, which were popular among revelers celebrating the arrival of the new year. “Suddenly a fire broke out, and people tried to get out of the confined space, causing chaos,” the spokesman stated.
Initial investigations into the fire’s cause have raised concerns that the sparklers may have toppled, igniting festive decorations. Following the initial outbreak, a loud explosion was reported, likely resulting from the ignition of the gas supply, according to the same emergency source.
Investigation Underway
Police forensic teams began examining the scene on January 1, focusing on identifying the source and cause of the fire. Frédéric Gisler, commander of the Valais cantonal police, expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “We are devastated by what just happened. Many people are presumed dead.”
Béatrice Pilloud, Attorney General of the Canton of Valais, confirmed that authorities are prioritizing the investigation into the fire itself, ruling out any potential terrorist motives. “There is absolutely no question of any kind of attack,” she asserted. The loud explosion heard is believed to be a consequence of the fire and not its cause.
Firefighters responded promptly, managing to contain the blaze by dawn. However, the damage had already been catastrophic, with the identities of the victims yet to be disclosed. Survivors have been evacuated to hospitals and burn clinics throughout Switzerland and nearby France, as noted by Stéphane Ganzer, a member of the Valais cantonal government. He highlighted that Swiss medical facilities are currently facing an influx of burn victims.
Community and Travel Impact
The area surrounding the fire has been cordoned off, with a no-fly zone implemented over Crans-Montana to ensure safety and facilitate ongoing investigations. The Constellation bar has long been a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially younger visitors from around the world who flock to the renowned ski resort.
Crans-Montana attracts thousands of holidaymakers each year, including many from the United Kingdom. The local community is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, as families and friends await news about their loved ones. As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the exact circumstances leading to this horrific incident.
