Heartbreaking scenes unfolded at a Swiss ski resort’s New Year’s Eve party when a devastating fire ripped through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, transforming celebrations into catastrophe. It was chaos unleashed as the blaze, one of Switzerland’s deadliest modern tragedies, claimed about 40 lives and left around 115 injured, many of them young party-goers.
Witnesses recounted harrowing moments. An 18-year-old described his frantic attempt to save his brother, only to enter a scene straight out of a nightmare: “I saw people burning, from head to foot.” Thankfully, his sibling was later confirmed safe. Another young reveller, Axel from Paris, narrowly escaped the inferno, though visibly shaken and in shock from witnessing such horror.
Reports suggest the fire might have been sparked by bartenders using sparklers and candles, as recounted by eyewitnesses, causing flames to spread swiftly across the wooden interior. With panic rising, the crowded venue’s narrow exit became a bottleneck; some smashed windows in desperate bids for survival.
The aftermath saw the local community and visitors gathering for a poignant memorial, laying candles and flowers in tribute to those lost. As investigations continue, authorities aim to uncover exactly how this disaster unfolded. Heartfelt condolences pour in from across the globe, as Switzerland confronts this tragedy with courage and solidarity.