A devastating fire erupted during a New Year’s celebration at a bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana shortly after midnight on January 1, 2024. Authorities report that dozens of people are feared dead, with about 100 others suffering injuries, many of them critical.
The fire broke out at the popular Le Constellation bar, transforming a festive gathering into a scene of chaos and tragedy. According to police statements, Valais Canton police commander Frédéric Gisler indicated that “several tens of people” are presumed dead. Efforts to identify the victims and notify their families are ongoing, but Gisler noted that providing precise figures at this stage would be premature.
In a press briefing, Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general for Valais Canton, stated that it is too early to ascertain the cause of the fire. Experts have not yet been able to access the wreckage for investigation. Pilloud emphasized that there is no indication of an attack related to the incident.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences. Sixteen-year-old Axel Clavier from Paris described the atmosphere inside the bar as “total chaos.” He lost friends in the blaze and shared that he initially sought refuge beneath a table before finding a way to escape through a broken window. Clavier remarked, “I am still alive and it’s just stuff,” emphasizing the trauma of the situation.
Witnesses reported the rapid spread of flames after a female bartender lit a candle, which ignited the wooden ceiling. As the fire escalated, patrons surged towards the exits, leading to a crush of bodies in the narrow stairwell. One individual described the scene as reminiscent of a horror film, watching from outside as people desperately tried to escape.
The aftermath of the fire has overwhelmed local medical facilities. Mathias Reynard, head of the regional government of Valais Canton, stated that the intensive care unit and operating theatre at the regional hospital quickly reached full capacity due to the influx of injured individuals.
In light of the tragedy, local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution over the coming days to prevent further accidents. Crans-Montana, a renowned destination for skiing and golf, is nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The resort is set to host elite downhill racers, including Lindsey Vonn, in the lead-up to the Milan Cortina Olympics.
This recent fire echoes a past tragedy in Switzerland, with the community recalling the 2012 bus crash in nearby Sierre that claimed 28 lives, including many children. Swiss President Guy Parmelin extended condolences on social media, expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims and their families. This day marked Parmelin’s first as president, and he postponed a planned New Year’s address to honor those affected.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the Crans-Montana community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking incident, which has left an indelible mark on a night that was meant to celebrate new beginnings.
