A catastrophic fire at a popular bar in the Swiss Alps has left multiple people dead and dozens injured, casting a shadow over New Year's celebrations in the international ski resort of Crans-Montana. The blaze erupted in the early hours of New Year's Day, trapping more than a hundred revellers inside.
Chaos in the Early Hours
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 am local time (12:30 am GMT) at a venue known as 'Le Constellation'. Police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion confirmed the timeline and the scale of the tragedy, stating the building was packed with over a hundred people for New Year's festivities.
Distressing footage from the scene shows a massive emergency service deployment, with police, fire crews, and ambulances racing to the site. Other clips capture the sheer panic as people scrambled to escape through the bar's front windows with flames raging behind them.
Investigation and Emergency Response
While the exact cause remains under investigation, initial reports indicate that pyrotechnics used during the event may have triggered an explosion, leading to the rapid spread of fire. Authorities have not yet confirmed this detail.
The fire was brought under control by early morning, but the area remains completely cordoned off. A no-fly zone has been established over Crans-Montana to facilitate air ambulance operations for the critically injured.
Hospitals across French-speaking Switzerland have reportedly been overwhelmed with burn victims. The situation is so severe that a local doctor publicly urged people to avoid "risky" activities for the remainder of New Year's Day to relieve pressure on medical services.
Aftermath and Support for Families
In response to the disaster, authorities have set up a dedicated reception centre and a helpline for the families of those affected. Police spokesperson Lathion emphasised the international dimension of the tragedy, noting, "this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists."
The community of Crans-Montana and the wider region is now coming to terms with a devastating start to the new year, as the investigation into one of Switzerland's worst recent nightlife disasters begins.
