Investigators in Switzerland are working against the clock to identify victims of a devastating fire that tore through a crowded bar in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, turning New Year’s celebrations into one of the country’s deadliest tragedies.
The blaze, which broke out at Le Constellation bar in the early hours of Thursday, is believed to have killed about 40 people and left roughly 115 others injured, many of them critically. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities say it could take days or even weeks to formally identify all those who lost their lives.
Witnesses described horrifying scenes as panic spread through the packed venue. Some people reportedly tried to smash windows to escape, while others, badly burned, staggered into the streets crying for help.
Families and friends of those who were at the bar are enduring an agonising wait for information. A 17-year-old girl, Eleonore, said she and her friends had been desperately trying to trace people they knew. “We’ve posted photos everywhere — Instagram, Facebook, all social networks — but there’s no response. Even the parents don’t know,” she said.
Police have not confirmed how many people were inside the bar at the time of the fire or how many are still missing. According to the resort’s website, Le Constellation can accommodate up to 300 people indoors, with an additional 40 on its terrace.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “a calamity of unprecedented, terrifying proportions,” announcing that flags across the country would be flown at half-mast for five days in honour of the victims.
“Behind these numbers are faces, names, families, and lives brutally cut short or forever changed,” the president said.
Local police commander Frederic Gisler noted that due to Crans-Montana’s international appeal, foreign nationals are expected to be among the victims. Several countries have already confirmed that their citizens were injured or remain missing.
Survivors recalled the moment the fire erupted. “We thought it was a small fire at first,” said Mathys, a resident of a nearby village. “But when we arrived, it was war. The only word I can use is the apocalypse.”
Another witness, Nathan, said he saw severely burned people streaming out of the bar, pleading for help.
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Authorities have ruled out an attack and are focusing on safety and compliance issues. Investigators are expected to examine whether the bar met fire safety regulations and had sufficient emergency exits.
Some witnesses told local media that sparklers attached to champagne bottles — reportedly part of a regular celebratory display — may have ignited the fire after coming into contact with the ceiling.
As investigations continue, the area around the bar has been sealed off, marked with flowers, candles and police tape. With local hospitals overwhelmed, several injured victims were transferred to facilities across Switzerland and neighbouring countries.
European leaders have expressed solidarity, and international support has been mobilised as families across several countries await news of their loved ones.
