Swiss investigators are working against time to identify the victims of a devastating fire that tore through a crowded bar in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, transforming what began as a joyful New Year celebration into one of the deadliest civilian tragedies the country has witnessed in decades. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Thursday at Le Constellation bar, claimed the lives of about 40 people and left at least 115 others injured, many of them with severe burns and life threatening complications.
As dawn broke over the snow covered resort on Friday, police, forensic teams and emergency services intensified efforts to account for those who were inside the venue at the time of the disaster. Authorities warned that the identification process could take days or even weeks due to the extent of the injuries and fatalities, prolonging the anguish of families and friends desperately seeking news of their loved ones.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials have stressed that there is no indication of a deliberate attack, but have refrained from speculating further until forensic examinations and witness testimonies are fully assessed. What is clear, however, is that the speed and intensity of the blaze left little time for escape, triggering scenes of panic and confusion inside and outside the bar.
Eyewitnesses described harrowing moments as revelers struggled to flee the inferno. Some attempted to smash windows in a bid to escape the flames and thick smoke, while others stumbled into the street with severe burns, calling out for help. Emergency responders arriving at the scene were confronted with what many described as overwhelming devastation.
Mathys, a resident of the nearby village of Chermignon d’en Bas, said the scale of the disaster was unlike anything he had ever seen. He explained that initial reports suggested a minor incident, but the reality on arrival was far more severe. He described the scene as total chaos, adding that the only word that could capture it was “the apocalypse.”
Nathan, who had been inside Le Constellation shortly before the fire erupted, recalled seeing badly burned patrons emerging from the building. He said people were crying out for assistance, visibly injured and in shock, as flames engulfed the interior of the bar behind them.
Le Constellation is a popular nightlife spot among young tourists visiting Crans Montana, a resort known for attracting international visitors during the winter season. According to information on the resort’s website, the bar has an indoor capacity of about 300 people, with an additional 40 guests typically accommodated on its terrace. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were inside the venue at the time of the fire, nor how many remain unaccounted for.
For families searching for answers, the wait has been excruciating. Seventeen year old Eleonore, whose friends were believed to be among those inside the bar, described frantic efforts to locate them. She said she and others had tried calling, sharing photographs and posting messages across social media platforms in the hope of receiving any response. So far, she said, there had been none. According to her, even the parents of those missing had no confirmed information.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who assumed office on Thursday, described the tragedy as a calamity of unprecedented and terrifying proportions. Speaking at a press conference, he announced that national flags would be flown at half mast for five days in honour of the victims. He emphasized that behind the statistics were real people, families and futures that had been brutally cut short or irreversibly altered.
Local police commander Frederic Gisler noted the international character of Crans Montana, saying it was likely that foreign nationals were among both the dead and injured. This has prompted close coordination between Swiss authorities and foreign governments as efforts continue to identify victims and provide consular support.
The fire broke out at approximately 1:30 am local time, when the bar was reportedly at or near peak capacity. Several witness accounts carried by Swiss, French and Italian media suggested that sparklers attached to champagne bottles may have played a role. According to these accounts, restaurant staff sometimes presented champagne orders with lit sparklers as part of a celebratory display. One witness, Axel, told Italian media that the sparklers appeared to come too close to the ceiling, which may have ignited flammable materials.
The chief prosecutor of the canton, Beatrice Pilloud, confirmed that investigators would examine whether Le Constellation complied with safety regulations, including fire prevention measures and the adequacy of emergency exits. These findings are expected to be central to determining responsibility once the immediate emergency phase has passed.
In the aftermath of the blaze, the street outside the bar has become a place of mourning. Red and white caution tape cordons off the area, while flowers, candles and handwritten notes have been laid in tribute to the victims. Police have erected white screens around the site to shield it from public view as investigations continue.
Hospitals in the region were quickly overwhelmed by the number of casualties. As a result, many of the injured were transferred to medical facilities across Switzerland and into neighbouring countries. The European Union confirmed that it has been in contact with Swiss authorities regarding the provision of medical assistance.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that several of the injured were receiving treatment in hospitals in France. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that around 15 Italian citizens had been injured, with a similar number still missing. The French foreign ministry reported that nine French nationals were among the injured, while eight others remained unaccounted for.
Multiple sources told AFP that the owners of Le Constellation are French nationals, a couple originally from Corsica. According to a relative, they are believed to be safe but have not been reachable since the tragedy, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already complex investigation.
As Switzerland mourns and the global community watches, attention now turns to the painstaking work of identification, accountability and healing. For many families, the coming days will be defined by anxious waiting, as authorities work to bring clarity and closure after a night that forever changed the tranquil Alpine resort.
