CRANS-MONTANA (AFP): Swiss authorities on Friday intensified efforts to identify victims of a devastating fire that tore through a packed bar in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, transforming New Year’s celebrations into one of the country’s worst tragedies. The blaze at Le Constellation killed around 40 people and injured at least 115 others, many of them seriously. The cause of the fire remains unknown, though officials have ruled out an attack. Witnesses described scenes of panic as patrons tried to smash windows to escape, while burn victims flooded into the street.
Police warned that identifying the dead could take days or even weeks, prolonging the anguish for families and friends.“We’ve tried everything—posting photos on Instagram, Facebook, all social networks—to find our friends,” said Eleonore, 17. “There’s nothing. No response. Even the parents don’t know.”Authorities have not confirmed how many people remain missing. The bar had a listed capacity of 300 people, with space for another 40 on its terrace.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who assumed office on Thursday, called the fire “a calamity of unprecedented, terrifying proportions” and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for five days. He said authorities were in close contact with victims’ families and foreign embassies, noting that the resort’s international clientele meant foreign nationals were likely among the dead.
Cantonal chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said extensive resources had been deployed “to identify the victims and return their bodies to families as quickly as possible.” The fire broke out around 1:30am on Thursday at the popular nightlife venue. “We thought it was a small fire—but when we arrived, it was war,” said Mathys, a local resident. “The only word for it is apocalypse.”
While investigators have declined to speculate on the cause, several witnesses told regional media that sparklers attached to champagne bottles—used as part of a regular table-side display—may have ignited the ceiling. The investigation will examine whether the bar complied with safety regulations, including exit requirements.
Local hospitals were quickly overwhelmed, forcing authorities to transfer many of the injured to facilities across Switzerland and into neighbouring countries. The European Union said it was coordinating with Swiss officials on medical assistance.
France confirmed that some victims were being treated in French hospitals, while Italy said about 15 Italian nationals were injured and a similar number remained missing. France reported nine injured citizens and eight unaccounted for. Multiple sources told AFP that the bar’s owners are French nationals originally from Corsica. They are reported to be safe but have not been reachable since the disaster. The area around the bar remains sealed off with police screens, as flowers and candles line the street in tribute to the victims.
