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Investigators are working urgently to identify the victims of a fire that devastated a bar in the Swiss Alps town of Crans-Montana, transforming a New Year’s celebration into one of the country’s most devastating tragedies. The origin of the fire at Le Constellation remains uncertain; authorities have confirmed it was not a targeted attack. Approximately 40 individuals lost their lives, and over 115 others sustained injuries, many with critical burns. Witnesses recounted scenes of mayhem and fear, with some attempting to smash windows to escape, while others, severely burned, rushed into the streets. Swiss police have indicated that identifying all the victims could take days or even weeks, leaving families to wait in hope and despair.
A young woman named Eleonore, 17, shared her frustration: “We tried to find our friends, posted photos on social media, but there’s been no response. Even the parents are in the dark.” The total number of people inside the bar when the fire started is not precisely known, and authorities have not revealed how many remain unaccounted for. The venue’s capacity was around 340, including an outdoor terrace. Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who assumed office recently, described the incident as “an unprecedented, terrifying calamity,” and announced flags would fly at half-staff for five days. He assured the public that authorities are in close contact with the victims’ families and various embassies, acknowledging that foreign nationals are likely among the victims.
Beatrice Pilloud, the region’s chief prosecutor, stated that substantial resources are being used to identify the deceased and expedite the return of their bodies to loved ones. The fire erupted around 1:30 a.m. Thursday at Le Constellation, a popular spot among young tourists. A witness from nearby Chermignon-d’en-Bas, Mathys, described the scene as “war”: “We thought it was a small fire, but when we arrived, it was chaos — like the apocalypse. It was horrific.”
Authorities have refrained from speculating on what caused the tragedy but confirmed it was not an attack. Some reports suggest that sparklers attached to champagne bottles, operated by staff as part of a celebration routine, might have ignited the flames. A witness, Axel, explained, “Waitresses with bottles and sparklers got too close to the ceiling, and suddenly everything caught fire.” Investigators are also examining whether the bar adhered to safety standards and had enough exits.
Emergency responders treated the injured on-site and then transported many across Switzerland and neighboring countries for further care. The European Union has offered its help, and French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed some injured are being treated in France. Italian authorities reported that around 15 Italians suffered injuries, with some still missing. France’s foreign ministry noted nine French citizens were wounded, and eight others are unaccounted for. It is also believed that the bar’s owners are French nationals — a couple from Corsica — who are safe but have been unreachable since the incident.
As the community mourns, flowers, candles, and police tape mark the site of the tragedy, where the air remains heavy with grief and uncertainty following the devastating event.
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