A devastating fire broke out at the Le Constellation Bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during New Year’s celebrations, resulting in at least 40 fatalities and injuring another 115 people. The incident, occurring in the early hours of January 1, 2024, has captured national attention, with authorities launching a thorough investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Photographs circulating on social media show a moment of chaos as patrons attempted to escape. Eyewitness accounts indicate that sparklers in champagne bottles ignited the bar’s wooden ceiling, leading to the rapid spread of flames. Two women who were present during the event recounted the harrowing scene to French broadcaster BFMTV. They described a bartender lifting a female colleague while she held a lit sparkler, which resulted in the fire engulfing the venue.
As the flames escalated, the wooden ceiling collapsed, trapping many inside. Witnesses reported a desperate crowd surge as people attempted to escape through a narrow staircase and a small exit. The bar, popular among British tourists, has not confirmed whether any victims were from the UK, although the Foreign Office stated it would monitor the situation closely and offer support to any affected British nationals.
Investigation Underway as Community Grieves
Authorities in the Valais Canton are actively identifying the victims and notifying their families. Frédéric Gisler, police commander for the region, expressed the community’s devastation during a press briefing. The investigation, led by Beatrice Pilloud, the Valais Canton region attorney general, is focused on understanding the circumstances surrounding the fire. Pilloud noted that it is too early to ascertain the cause, and the total number of patrons in the bar at the time remains unknown.
When asked about potential arrests, Pilloud clarified, “An investigation has been opened, not against anyone, but to better understand the circumstances of this dramatic fire.” The inquiry will also consider the bar’s maximum occupancy as part of its findings.
In a poignant show of solidarity, flowers and candles were placed near the bar as mourners gathered to pay their respects, despite the frigid -4°C conditions. On his first day in office, Swiss President Guy Parmelin addressed the tragedy, stating that emergency responders faced “scenes of indescribable violence and distress.” He emphasized that “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.”
As the investigation continues, the Swiss community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the implications of this tragic event.
