A community in the Swiss Alps is reeling in shock and grief after a devastating fire tore through a crowded bar during New Year's celebrations, claiming the lives of around 40 people.
A Scene of Mourning in the Alpine Cold
Despite freezing temperatures of minus four degrees Celsius, heartbroken locals and visitors have gathered at a growing makeshift memorial on Rue Centrale in Crans-Montana. The site, close to the charred remains of the Le Constellation bar, has become a focal point for grief, with mourners leaving flowers and lit candles.
Many have been seen performing the sign of the cross as they view the dozens of bouquets. Witnesses describe people standing in stunned silence for minutes at a time, visibly shocked, while others hug each other on the verge of tears. Ivan Wyssen, 40, and his wife Juliane, 42, travelled from their home 20 minutes away to show solidarity. "We saw the emergency vehicles early this morning at around 2am. It's very terrible. People here are in shock. I think many young people have died," Ivan told reporters.
A Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, less than two hours after midnight, during a New Year's event at the popular bar. Valais Canton police confirmed that approximately 40 people were killed and another 115 injured, most of them seriously. Authorities have stated they do not yet have an exact count of the deceased.
The resort, best known as an international ski and golf destination, has been transformed into the site of one of Switzerland's worst peacetime tragedies. Police commander Frederic Gisler said work was underway to identify the victims and inform their families, describing the community as "devastated".
For some, the proximity to the disaster is deeply personal. Antonio Somma, an 18-year-old ski instructor and regular at the bar who lives just yards away, was on his way to Le Constellation with friends when the fire erupted. They missed being inside by mere minutes. "One of my friends was in the bar. He is in a coma in hospital in Stuttgart," Antonio revealed. "We arrived at 1.30am just after it happened. It was shocking. We didn't believe at first it was real."
Investigation Launched Amidst the Grief
Valais Canton attorney general Beatrice Pilloud emphasised that it was too early to determine the cause of the blaze, as experts had not yet been able to enter the unstable wreckage. She firmly ruled out any suggestion of an attack, stating, "At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack."
An investigation has been opened to illuminate the circumstances of the fire. Ms Pilloud confirmed that no suspects have been arrested, clarifying the probe is "not against anyone" at this stage. Key questions remain, including the exact number of people inside the bar at the time, with its maximum capacity set to be part of the inquiry.
As media from across Europe descend on the small town near a petrol station, the tight-knit community is left to grapple with an unimaginable loss. Antonio Somma's words echo the sentiment of many: "Everybody here is sad. We have come here to think about the people inside. I don't know how we will recover."
