In Crans-Montana, Switzerland, the New Year’s Eve celebration took a tragic turn when a fire broke out after midnight, engulfing the popular Le Constellation bar and causing one of the deadliest disasters in the country’s history. Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old visitor from Paris, recounted feeling as though he was suffocating inside the establishment before managing to escape by breaking a window with a table. Although he survived, around 40 other party attendees perished, including some of his friends.
The blaze also left approximately 115 individuals injured, many being young adults in their teens and twenties, as the fire swiftly consumed the crowded nightclub located within the Alpine resort town. Clavier mentioned that several of his friends remained unaccounted for hours following the incident.
In the aftermath, mourners gathered near the bar, placing candles and flowers as an impromptu memorial. Concurrently, hundreds convened at the nearby Church of Montana-Station to pray for those affected by the calamity. Pope Leo expressed condolences in a telegram sent to the regional bishop, emphasizing prayers for the deceased and support for those wounded or grieving.
Officials from France and Italy confirmed their nationals were among the missing, complicating efforts to account for all victims. Valais Canton police commander, Frédéric Gisler, noted the ongoing process of identifying the deceased and notifying families, acknowledging the community’s profound grief. Mathias Reynard, head of the Valais regional government, highlighted instances of bravery and solidarity among attendees, particularly young citizens who played a key role during the disaster’s initial moments. Emergency services were praised for their ongoing efforts to aid survivors amid the chaos.
The precise cause of the fire is still under investigation. Valais Canton attorney general Beatrice Pilloud stated it was premature to determine the origin. However, investigators have ruled out any deliberate attack and reported no arrests or suspects connected to the incident. The inquiry remains focused on understanding the circumstances that led to the devastating blaze.
Eye-witness accounts describe the fire’s rapid spread as staff brought out sparklers attached to Champagne bottles, igniting surrounding areas. Two female patrons recalled seeing bartenders in the act of lifting a colleague holding a lit candle in a bottle, an action that reportedly contributed to the outbreak. Witnesses also described frantic attempts by overwhelmed patrons to escape through narrow stairways and exits, with many forced to break windows to flee the inferno.
A young man who observed the event from across the street likened the scene to a horror film, witnessing waves of smoke and flames as individuals struggled for escape. Another young visitor, Gianni Campolo, arrived promptly following a call from a survivor and assisted emergency personnel. He described the scene as terrifying, with numerous people trapped, gravely injured, and suffering severe burns.
Crans-Montana is situated in the Valais region, known for its proximity to the Swiss Alps and popular ski resorts. Notably, the town lies less than five kilometers from Sierre, where a fatal bus crash occurred in 2012. The area is poised to host World Cup ski events and pre-Olympic races this season, attracting significant tourism and international attention. Local authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution in the days ahead to prevent additional incidents that could burden already strained medical facilities.
This disaster has deeply impacted a region recognized not only for its winter sports but also for other prestigious events such as the European Masters golf tournament hosted each summer at the Crans-sur-Sierre club. The community continues to grapple with the enormity of the tragedy as recovery and investigation efforts proceed.