UPDATE: A devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has tragically claimed the lives of 40 people and left 119 injured during New Year’s celebrations. Investigators believe that sparkling candles on Champagne bottles ignited the inferno when they came too close to the ceiling, creating a catastrophic situation for partygoers.
The blaze erupted early on January 1, 2024, as the bar was packed with revelers ringing in the new year. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as flames spread rapidly, leading to a desperate scramble for the exits. Among those who narrowly escaped was Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old from Paris, who recounted the horrors of the night, stating, “I felt as if I were suffocating inside.” Clavier managed to break a window with a table and flee, but tragically, he lost friends in the chaos.
Authorities have confirmed that many victims were young, with a significant number in their teens to mid-20s. The fire’s intensity has complicated identification efforts, with families now providing DNA samples to help authorities identify their loved ones. Emanuele Galeppini, a promising 17-year-old Italian golfer, is among the missing, with reports indicating that he has been confirmed dead by the Italian Golf Federation.
As the community mourns, makeshift memorials of candles and flowers have sprung up around the resort. Hundreds gathered at the nearby Church of Montana-Station to pray for the victims. In a heartfelt message, Pope Leo conveyed his condolences to the bishop of Sion, urging prayers for those who suffer.
Witnesses described the chaos inside the bar, with patrons frantically attempting to escape as the ceiling collapsed. Eyewitnesses reported a bartender lifting a colleague while holding a burning candle, which ignited the highly flammable materials above. One survivor, Gianni Campolo, a 19-year-old from Switzerland, rushed to assist first responders after receiving an urgent call from a friend who escaped. He stated, “I have seen horror, and I don’t know what else would be worse than this.”
Officials are investigating the bar’s compliance with safety regulations, particularly regarding the ceiling’s soundproofing materials amidst growing concerns about the event’s safety protocols. The tragic incident marks one of the worst fire disasters in Switzerland’s recent history.
As the investigation continues, families are left grappling with the aftermath, desperately seeking information on the missing and mourning the loss of loved ones. The community’s resilience is being tested as they navigate this dark chapter, with many calling for increased safety measures to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.
Stay tuned for updates on the investigation and additional developments regarding the victims and families affected by this catastrophic fire.
