Dozens of people were killed and more than 100 injured early Thursday when a fire tore through a crowded bar in the luxury ski resort town of Crans-Montana as young revelers celebrated the New Year.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of “panic” as patrons tried to break windows to escape, while others, suffering burns, fled into the streets. Emergency responders rushed to the scene shortly before 1:30 a.m. local time, as the resort prepares to host the Ski World Cup later this month.
Authorities in the Wallis canton reported around 40 deaths and 115 injuries, many severe, though Italy’s ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Cornado, later cited a death toll of 47. Swiss police have not confirmed an exact figure.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the fire as “one of the worst tragedies our country has experienced,” calling it a calamity of “unprecedented, terrifying proportions.” He announced that flags would fly at half-mast for five days.
Hundreds of residents and visitors gathered Thursday evening at a church service and later at the site of the tragedy to lay flowers and light candles in memory of the victims.
Witnesses recounted chaotic scenes at Le Constellation bar, a popular venue with a capacity of 300 indoors and 40 on its terrace. Some described sparks from champagne bottle displays as a possible cause. Axel, a witness, told Italian media that “waitresses with champagne bottles and little sparklers got too close to the ceiling, and suddenly it all caught fire.”
Authorities have ruled out an attack, with initial investigations indicating that the fire triggered a subsequent explosion, not vice versa. Hospitals in Wallis quickly filled with casualties, with over 30 victims transferred to specialized burn units in Zurich and Lausanne, and six to Geneva.
Swiss authorities are coordinating with neighboring countries to provide medical assistance. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that several injured were being treated in French hospitals. The EU has also offered support.
Officials warned that identifying victims could take days or even weeks due to the international nature of the resort. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reported about 15 Italians injured, with a similar number missing. French authorities said nine French nationals were among the injured, and eight remained unaccounted for.
Families searching for missing loved ones were directed to a convention center for assistance, with tearful relatives describing the anguish of not knowing the whereabouts of their relatives.
