At a Glance
- 40 people were killed in a fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.
- 119 were injured, many teens and young adults.
- Sparkling flares on Champagne bottles are suspected to have started the blaze.
- Why it matters: It is one of Switzerland’s deadliest bar fires, raising concerns about fire safety in crowded venues.
A blaze erupted at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve, killing 40 people and injuring 119. Sparkling flares on Champagne bottles are suspected to have ignited the fire, prompting an investigation and widespread mourning.
Fatal Bar Fire
The fire began early Thursday when sparkling flares atop Champagne bottles were used in the crowded bar. The flames quickly spread, collapsing the wooden ceiling and forcing patrons to escape. A 16-year-old Axel Clavier escaped by breaking a window with a table.
- Deaths: 40
- Injuries: 119
- Missing: 3
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Deaths | 40 |
| Injuries | 119 |
| Missing | 3 |
Investigation and Reactions
Swiss investigators say the flares likely caused the blaze. Authorities are still probing the exact sequence of events.
Mathias Reynard stated:
> “We have numerous accounts of heroic actions, one could say, of very strong solidarity in the moment.”
Pope Leo sent a telegram:
> “The Lord will welcome the deceased into His abode of peace and light, and will sustain the courage of those who suffer in their hearts or in their bodies.”
Axel Clavier told the press that two or three of his friends remained missing hours after the disaster.
Gianni Campolo, a 19-year-old Swiss, said:
> “I have seen horror and I don’t know what else would be worse than this,” Campolo told TF1.
Medical Response
Geneva University Hospitals treated five patients, most aged 15-30. Dr. Robert Larribau explained that backdraft and flashover contributed to severe injuries. He said:
> “Many of them had serious injuries that appeared to have been caused by the twin phenomena of ‘backdraft’ and ‘flashover.'”
Backdraft is when new air comes into contact with a fire that has used up all the available oxygen, leading to fatal injuries. Flashover occurs when all flammable materials in an enclosed space ignite simultaneously, causing severe burns and critical inhalation injury.
Key Takeaways
- 40 people lost their lives in the fire, and 119 were injured.
- Sparkling Champagne flares are the suspected cause.
- Authorities are investigating, and medical teams are dealing with severe burn injuries.
The tragedy underscores the need for stringent fire safety measures in crowded venues and has left the Swiss alpine community in mourning.
