At a Glance
- 40 people killed and 115 injured in a bar fire in Crans-Montana.
- The blaze erupted less than two hours after midnight on New Year’s Eve.
- The resort, famed for skiing and golf, is now in mourning for five days.
Why it matters: The tragedy highlights fire safety risks in crowded venues and has left Switzerland in national mourning.
The fire that tore through the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve left at least 40 dead and 115 injured, according to police. The incident, which began less than two hours after midnight, has prompted a national mourning period and a nationwide investigation into the cause.
The Incident
The Le Constellation bar, a popular spot for New Year’s celebrations, became a scene of chaos when the fire started.
Witnesses described a sudden blaze that spread quickly, collapsing the wooden ceiling and forcing patrons to flee through narrow stairways and a single exit.
One 16-year-old survivor, Axel Clavier, recalled the confusion and the difficulty of escaping.
Axel Clavier said:
> “total chaos” inside the bar.
Axel Clavier added:
> “I’m still in shock,”
Victims and Response
Police are still working to identify the deceased and inform families.
Valais Canton attorney general Beatrice Pilloud said it is too early to determine the cause, and experts have not yet entered the wreckage.
- 40 people killed
- 115 injured, most seriously
- 13 Italian citizens wounded
- 6 Italians missing
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Killed | 40 |
| Injured | 115 |
| Italian wounded | 13 |
| Italian missing | 6 |
An intensive care unit and operating theater at the regional hospital quickly reached full capacity, and three wounded patients were transported from Sion to Milan’s Niguarda.
Investigation and Statements
Frédéric Gisler, commander of Valais Canton police, stated that the investigation is open “not against anyone, but to illuminate the circumstances of this dramatic fire.”
No suspect has been arrested, and there is no indication of an attack.
Beatrice Pilloud said:
> “At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack,”
She added that the exact number of people in the bar is still unknown and that the venue’s maximum capacity will be examined.
Mathias Reynard said:
> “This evening should have been a moment of celebration and coming together, but it turned into a nightmare,”
President Guy Parmelin said:
> “Switzerland is a strong country not because it is sheltered from drama, but because it knows how to face them with courage and a spirit of mutual help.”
He called Thursday “the time of prayer, unity and dignity,” and remarked that Switzerland’s strength lies in facing such drama with courage and mutual help.
Broader Context
The fire occurred 25 years after a similar blaze in the Dutch town of Volendam that killed 14 people.
Crans-Montana, a key venue on the World Cup ski circuit, will host major downhill races before the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
The resort’s golf club also stages the European Masters annually.
Key Takeaways
- The fire claimed 40 lives and left 115 injured, prompting a national mourning period.
- Investigation has found no evidence of an attack; cause remains undetermined.
- The incident underscores the importance of fire safety in crowded entertainment venues.
The tragedy has left a lasting impact on the community, and authorities continue to work to identify victims and uncover the cause of the blaze.
