A devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana on January 1, 2024, has resulted in at least 40 fatalities and left 119 individuals injured, many of whom are in critical condition. Local authorities report that several victims have been transferred to specialized burn units across Europe as they continue to fight for their lives following the blaze, which erupted during a New Year’s Eve celebration.
Initial investigations suggest the fire was ignited by sparkler candles attached to champagne bottles, which were carried too close to the ceiling. Local prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud indicated that these “fountain candles” likely caused the rapid spread of flames throughout the bar, resulting in a catastrophic conflagration. “Everything suggests that the fire started from the burning candles or ‘Bengal lights’ that had been attached to champagne bottles,” she stated at a news conference.
Impact on Victims and Their Families
Many of the injured are reported to be in their teens to mid-20s. According to local police chief Frederic Gisler, 113 of the injured individuals have been identified. This group includes 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French, 11 Italian, four Serbian, and several others from different countries. Notably, one Australian citizen was also reported injured. The identities of 14 other injured individuals remain unclear.
The toll from this tragedy may not be final, as authorities continue to investigate. Mathias Reynard, the chief of the Valais area, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Many of those injured are still fighting for their lives today.”
Families of missing persons have gathered near the site, anxiously awaiting news. Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old Italian international golfer living in Dubai, has been publicly identified as one of the victims. The emotional toll on families is profound, as illustrated by the words of Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, the mother of 16-year-old Arthur, who exclaimed, “We are together, we are in shock, we take each other in our arms and we cry.”
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining whether the ceiling’s insulation foam contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. Beatrice Pilloud mentioned that further inquiries will determine if any individuals may be held criminally liable for negligence in connection to the incident.
The tragedy has drawn international attention, with foreign embassies working to verify if their citizens were among those caught in the disaster. Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister, confirmed that 13 Italians were hospitalized while six remain unaccounted for. France’s embassy in Switzerland reported that eight French nationals are missing, with another nine injured and receiving treatment.
The community of Crans-Montana, popular for both skiing and golfing, is in mourning. Residents and visitors have created a makeshift memorial, laying flowers and lighting candles in remembrance of those affected. Many expressed disbelief at the scale of the tragedy, with one young woman stating, “It could have been us. There was an enormous queue so we decided not to go in.”
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families during this heart-wrenching time. Local officials are dedicated to providing updates as more information becomes available about the identities of those who lost their lives and the status of the injured.
