Switzerland:
Swiss investigators on Friday said they believe sparkling flares attached to Champagne bottles may have triggered the devastating fire at a crowded bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort, leading to one of the deadliest tragedies in Switzerland’s history.
The horrific blaze tore through the Le Constellation bar during busy New Year celebrations, killing 40 people and injuring 119 others, authorities confirmed. The bar was packed with revellers when flames rapidly spread across the ceiling, leaving many trapped inside.
Among the survivors was 16-year-old Axel Clavier from Paris, who said he felt he was suffocating as thick smoke filled the bar. He managed to escape by forcing open a window using a table, but several around him, including one of his friends, could not make it out in time.
Many of the injured, police said, are teenagers and young adults in their 20s.
As grief spread across the region, mourners gathered near the bar late Thursday night, lighting candles and leaving flowers in memory of the victims. Hundreds prayed for the dead and missing at the nearby Church of Montana-Station, while social media flooded with posts of people still unaccounted for, as families desperately sought information.
The tragedy drew international concern, with the Pope sending condolences via telegram to the Bishop of Sion, praying for peace for the deceased and strength for grieving families.
Authorities praised citizens and young people who risked their lives to rescue others in the first crucial minutes before emergency teams arrived. “We have numerous accounts of heroic actions and extraordinary solidarity,” said Valais regional head Mathias Reynard.
Multiple eyewitnesses recalled the moments leading up to the fire. Several said waitresses were carrying Champagne bottles topped with burning sparklers, while others described a bartender lifting a colleague on his shoulders holding a lit candle bottle. Within seconds, the flames spread and the wooden ceiling collapsed.
Panic erupted as hundreds tried to escape through a narrow staircase from the basement nightclub. People smashed windows to break free while terrified parents rushed to the scene in desperation.
Swiss teenager Gianni Campolo, who rushed to help rescuers after a call from a friend, said the sight was beyond anything imaginable. “I have seen horror,” he told TF1, describing burned and severely injured people trapped on the floor.
Identification of victims has become extremely difficult due to the severity of burns. Families have been asked to provide DNA samples as many documents and wallets were destroyed in the flames.
Among the missing is 17-year-old Italian golf star Emanuele Galeppini, whose family awaits DNA confirmation, while Italy reported 13 injured citizens and six missing.
Authorities urged local residents and tourists to remain extremely cautious to avoid additional accidents, as hospitals and medical systems in the area remain overwhelmed.
Crans-Montana, one of Europe’s most famous Alpine resorts, is preparing to host major international ski events ahead of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, and also annually hosts the prestigious European Masters golf tournament. The tragedy has now cast a dark shadow over the festive resort town.