A horrific fire at a popular Swiss Alps resort in the early hours of New Year's Day has resulted in a significant loss of life, with authorities fearing dozens of fatalities.
Scale of the New Year's Eve Disaster
Swiss police have confirmed that "several tens of people" are presumed dead following the blaze at the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana. The incident, which began around 1:30 a.m., also left approximately 100 people injured, with many of those wounds described as serious. Officials have warned that identifying all the victims could take several weeks due to the severity of the incident.
Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos and a Suspected Cause
Survivors and witnesses painted a picture of absolute mayhem as the fire took hold. One Dutch tourist described the harrowing scene of young people carrying their severely burned friends to seek help, with victims seen fleeing in shredded, burnt clothing.
Regarding the cause, two survivors have told media they saw the fire start when a waiter's "birthday candle" ignited the venue's low wooden ceiling. The basement bar's ceiling reportedly caught fire within minutes, allowing flames to spread rapidly through the crowded space.
A Deadly Layout and Fatal Crush
The design of the "Le Constellation" bar significantly hampered escape efforts. Described as a cavernous basement venue, it featured a single, narrow staircase only three people wide. As hundreds tried to evacuate, a deadly crush occurred.
Police commander Frédéric Gisler confirmed the stampede, stating the combination of the single narrow exit and the fast-moving fire trapped many inside. The desperate rush for the only escape route proved fatal for many.
Emergency Response and Victim Profile
The rescue operation was immense and prolonged. Helicopters, ambulances, and police were active at the scene from the time of the fire until at least 8:00 a.m. Local hospitals continue to struggle with the high volume of patients suffering from serious burns.
The bar was a known hangout for younger tourists and locals, featuring pool and dart boards. This has led to fears that a disproportionate number of the victims are teenagers and young adults in their early twenties. A French hotel worker nearby reported hearing what he initially thought was a firework—a "massive explosion"—before realising the scale of the unfolding disaster.
