Sparklers on bottles of champagne behind the Crans-Montana tragedy
Switzerland remains in a state of chock following the devastating fire of a crowded bar in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana (Valais) during New Year’s celebrations. The fire and explosion inside the bar killed 40 people -with the possibility of further recovered bodies in the aftermath of the accident. The fire injured close to 120 further victims.
For Switzerland, it is one of the country’s deadliest civilian tragedies in decades.
The blaze broke out shortly after midnight on January 1 at Le Constellation, a popular venue packed with revelers ringing in the new year. According to investigators, the fire spread with terrifying speed, trapping dozens inside. Survivors described scenes of panic and chaos as thick smoke filled the room within seconds.
Authorities believe the fire was accidental. Findings now suggest that sparklers or small fireworks attached to champagne bottles ignited flammable soundproofing material on the ceiling, triggering a rapid flash-over.
Hospitals across Switzerland were overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster. Many victims suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation, forcing emergency services to transfer patients to specialized units across Switzerland and, in some cases, abroad. Neighboring hospitals in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Poland will also take patients in the medical units. Identification of the dead remains ongoing, with victims from several countries among those killed or missing.
The tragedy has sparked a national debate over fire safety standards in entertainment venues, particularly in high-altitude resorts where bars and nightclubs are often densely packed during peak season. Authorities are examining exit access, occupancy limits and the use of flammable interior materials.
The Swiss government has declared five days of national mourning, while flags were lowered across the country. Further information can be found (in French) by clicking to the following link.
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