A devastating fire that ripped through a packed bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has left around 40 people dead and approximately 115 injured, with officials warning that many of the wounded are in a life-threatening condition.
Chaos and Tragedy on New Year's Eve
The blaze engulfed Le Constellation bar in the early hours, while the venue was crowded with predominantly young revellers celebrating the new year. Authorities have confirmed the significant casualty figures, noting the severity of many injuries sustained in the inferno.
While the official cause remains under investigation, early witness accounts and mobile phone footage point to a potential trigger. Sparklers or flares attached to champagne bottles, reportedly part of a staff performance, are believed to have set the basement ceiling alight, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
Painstaking Identification Process Underway
The process of identifying the victims is expected to take several days due to the severity of the fire. Mathias Reynard, head of the Valais regional government, stated that experts are using dental and DNA samples in what he described as a "terrible and sensitive" task.
"Nothing can be told to the families unless we are 100% sure," Reynard emphasised. Public prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud confirmed that significant resources are dedicated to identifying victims and returning them to their families as swiftly as possible.
International Victims and a Community in Mourning
The victims are thought to be of multiple nationalities. France has reported nine injured nationals and eight missing. Italy stated six of its citizens are missing and thirteen are hospitalised. One Australian was injured. The EU has offered medical assistance, with some patients transferred to hospitals in France and Germany.
The local community in Crans-Montana has been left reeling. Hundreds gathered in a silent vigil near the charred remains of the bar, leaving a growing mound of floral tributes. Messages of condolence, including one reading "Rest in peace among the stars," have been left at the scene.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who visited the resort, announced five days of national mourning, calling it one of the most traumatic events in the country's recent history. As the investigation continues, questions are being raised about the bar's safety standards and the materials used in its construction.
