Investigators worked urgently on Friday to identify victims after a devastating fire tore through a crowded bar in the Swiss Alps resort town of Crans-Montana, transforming New Year celebrations into one of Switzerland’s deadliest disasters. The blaze erupted at Le Constellation shortly after midnight, killing about 40 people and injuring at least 115 others, many of them critically.
However, officials have not yet determined what triggered the fire. Swiss police cautioned that the identification process could take days or even weeks, prolonging the anguish for families and friends searching for loved ones. As a result, authorities urged patience while forensic teams continued their work.
Bystanders described terrifying scenes as flames spread rapidly through the venue. People smashed windows to escape, while others stumbled into the street with severe burns. “We tried everything to find our friends,” said 17-year-old Eleonore, adding that families remained without information.
Le Constellation can accommodate around 300 people indoors and another 40 on its terrace, although police have not confirmed how many were inside at the time. Consequently, the number of missing people remains unclear.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the fire a national calamity and ordered flags flown at half-mast for five days. He confirmed that authorities were coordinating closely with victims’ families and foreign embassies, noting the resort’s international clientele.
Witnesses told local and international media that sparklers attached to champagne bottles, commonly used during celebratory displays, may have ignited the ceiling. Nevertheless, prosecutors stressed that investigators would examine all possibilities, including whether the bar complied with fire safety regulations and exit requirements.
Meanwhile, hospitals across Switzerland and neighboring countries treated the injured after local facilities reached capacity. France and Italy confirmed that their citizens were among the injured and missing, while the European Union offered medical assistance as the investigation continued.
