At a Glance
- Sparkling flares on Champagne bottles ignited a fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.
- 40 people were killed and 119 injured during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- The blaze is the worst tragedy in Switzerland’s recent history, with many victims aged in their teens and twenties.
- Why it matters: The incident underscores fire-safety risks in crowded venues and the profound impact on local communities.
On New Year’s Eve, a fire sparked by sparkling flares atop Champagne bottles tore through the busy Le Constellation bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort, killing 40 people and injuring 119.
The Fire and Its Immediate Impact
Swiss investigators say the flares flew too close to the crowded bar’s ceiling, igniting the blaze early Thursday. The victims included Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old from Paris, who escaped by forcing a window open with a table. A total of 5 patients were treated at Geneva University Hospitals, most aged 15-30.
- 40 deaths, including a friend of Clavier.
- 119 injuries, many in their teens and twenties.
- 5 patients at Geneva University Hospitals.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
Valais regional government head Mathias Reynard said:
> “We have numerous accounts of heroic actions, one could say, of very strong solidarity in the moment.”
Gianni Campolo told TF1:
> “I have seen horror and I don’t know what else would be worse than this.”
Dr. Robert Larribau told News Of Philadelphia:
> “Many of them had ‘serious injuries’ that appeared to have been caused by the twin phenomena of ‘backdraft’ and ‘flashover.'”
Pope Leo sent a telegram:
> “the Lord will welcome the deceased into His abode of peace and light, and will sustain the courage of those who suffer in their hearts or in their bodies.”
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 40 |
| Injuries | 119 |
| Hospitalized | 5 |
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities are working to identify bodies amid severe burns that complicate identification.
Key Takeaways
- Sparkling flares on Champagne bottles were the likely ignition source.
- The incident resulted in 40 deaths and 119 injuries, marking a severe safety breach.
- Rescue efforts highlighted community heroism and the ongoing challenge of identifying victims.
The tragedy at Crans-Montana has left the alpine community in mourning and prompted a renewed focus on fire safety in crowded venues.
