A devastating fire at a popular ski resort bar in Switzerland has left up to 40 people dead, with survivors recounting desperate and, in one case, what is described as a miraculous escape.
A Desperate Prayer Amidst the Flames
The blaze tore through the La Constellation bar in Crans-Montana in the early hours of January 1, during a New Year's Eve party. Witnesses reported the ceiling igniting around 1:30 am, with the fire spreading through the building in a matter of seconds, as seen in videos captured by revellers.
Among the harrowing accounts is that of Laetitia Place, who described how a friend, trapped with no visible exit, "sat down and held a cross in his hand." She claimed that as he did so, "the fire just avoided him" and he survived the inferno untouched, later escaping by breaking a window.
"I just want to thank the Lord for saving me," Ms Place said, "and I just want to ask him to save my friends who are missing... I have friends in the hospital, I have friends everywhere." She confirmed she had already lost people in the tragedy.
Chaotic Scenes and Heroic Efforts
Other survivors spoke of the "total chaos" and the extreme measures taken to flee. Axel Clavier recounted how he secured his freedom by smashing a window with a table to escape, noting that several from his group remained missing.
Official reports state that alongside the tragic loss of life, up to 119 people were injured, many rushed to hospital with some in a critical condition. The search for missing individuals continues, with families appealing for information.
Young Victims Among the Missing
Several of those reported missing are teenagers. Families are seeking news of:
- Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16
- Achille Barosi, 16
- Giovanni Tamburi, 16
- Alicia and Diana Gonset, aged 15 and 14
- Brit-educated Charlotte Niddam Alice Kallergis, 15
- Emilie Pralong, 22
- Stiven Ivanovski
The community of Crans-Montana and the families of those affected are now left grappling with the aftermath of a New Year's celebration that turned into a national tragedy.
