URGENT UPDATE: A devastating fire during a New Year’s Eve party at the upscale Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has tragically killed 40 people and injured at least 115 others. Among the injured is an Australian national, whose family is receiving consular assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The catastrophic blaze erupted just after midnight on January 1, 2024, leading to chaos as partygoers scrambled to escape. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of panic, with flames spreading rapidly from the building. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation; however, authorities suspect it was an accident, possibly linked to a lit candle igniting the wooden ceiling.
“We stand ready to provide consular assistance,” a spokesperson for the Australian government confirmed, as they work closely with Swiss authorities to assess the situation and determine if more Australians are affected.
In a heartfelt statement, Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the incident “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever known,” highlighting that many of the victims were young people celebrating the New Year. “What was a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana last night, felt across the country and beyond,” he added, expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
Local police chief Frederic Gisler reported that efforts to identify the victims are underway, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the disaster. Authorities are still working to confirm the identities of the deceased and injured. Notably, Italian officials have reported that 16 Italians are missing, with several others hospitalized.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, including two young French women who described witnessing the fire’s rapid escalation after a bottle with “birthday candles” was held too close to the ceiling. “The fire spread across the ceiling super quickly,” one survivor stated, revealing their narrow escape through a staircase as flames engulfed the venue.
The tragic events have left many in shock, with flowers and tributes appearing outside the popular bar, a favored spot among tourists and local youths. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting victims and their families as they navigate this heartbreaking situation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading up to this tragic New Year’s Eve fire. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
