Preface

A tragic fire engulfed a popular ski resort in south-west Switzerland, leading to the death of around 40 individuals and injuring 115 more. This event, which took place in Crans-Montana’s Le Constellation bar, became one of the most severe disasters Switzerland has faced in recent history, as stated by President Guy Parmelin. No evidence of an attack has been found, but investigations continue to uncover the cause and full impact of the tragedy.

Lazy bag

In one of Switzerland's worst tragedies, a fire in Crans-Montana's Le Constellation bar claimed 40 lives and wounded 115 people. Various nationalities are involved.

Main Body

The disaster unfolded on New Year’s Day at 01:30 local time in Crans-Montana, a well-known Swiss skiing destination. As the fire raged through Le Constellation, a bar bustling with holidaymakers and locals, the rapid spread left many trapped in a chaotic evacuation.

Emergency services quickly responded, first noting smoke from the locale. Security officials have clarified that the fire’s progression, rather than an explosive device, led to the resulting structural collapse and intense blaze. The bar, known for its vibrant atmosphere, had narrow escape routes, which compounded the difficulty of evacuation during the event.

Victims come from various nationalities, complicating identification efforts. At least 22 patients, aged 16-26, have been treated at Lausanne University Hospital, while Italy and France face the grim task of accounting for missing and injured nationals. Italian officials have expressed that diagnostic processes might take weeks, considering the extent of burn injuries.

The international response includes President Emmanuel Macron’s offer to assist and treat the injured in French hospitals, while the European Union aligns medical aid efforts. The UK's embassy remains vigilant, though they report no current deployment needs for British citizens.

Witness accounts reveal the fire's likely accidental origin: a waitress placed candles atop a champagne bottle, and a close-held candle ignited the wooden ceiling. This set off a rapid inferno, worsening the conditions for those attempting to exit the bar. Evacuation was further hampered by the building's archaic design, particularly the persistence of wooden structures and narrow passageways.

Crans-Montana, usually an upscale resort attracting skiers worldwide, saw one of its establishments reduced to rubble amidst what should have been a celebratory occasion. The busy alpine season, typically filled with festivities, has a somber shadow cast upon it due to this catastrophic fire.

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