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Crans-Montana, Switzerland — Swiss authorities are working urgently to identify the victims of a devastating fire that tore through a packed nightclub in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, transforming New Year celebrations into one of the country’s deadliest peacetime tragedies.
The blaze broke out around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday at Le Constellation, a popular bar frequented by young tourists. At least 40 people were killed and about 115 others injured, many of them critically. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Panic, Chaos and Desperate Escapes
Witnesses described scenes of terror as flames and smoke engulfed the venue. Some patrons reportedly smashed windows in frantic attempts to escape, while others—badly burned—staggered into the street seeking help.
Swiss police cautioned that identifying all the victims could take days or even weeks, prolonging the anguish for families and friends desperately awaiting news.
“We’ve tried to reach our friends. We took loads of photos and posted them on Instagram, Facebook—every possible social network—to try to find them,” said Eleonore, 17. “But there’s nothing. No response. Even the parents don’t know.”
Authorities have not confirmed how many people were inside the bar at the time of the fire. Le Constellation is licensed to hold up to 300 people, with an additional 40 on its terrace, according to the resort’s website.
National Mourning Declared
Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who assumed office on Thursday, described the tragedy as “a calamity of unprecedented, terrifying proportions.” He announced that flags will be flown at half-mast for five days nationwide.
“Behind these figures are faces, names, families—lives brutally cut short, completely interrupted, or forever changed,” Parmelin said at a press conference.
Given Crans-Montana’s international appeal, authorities expect that foreign nationals are among the victims, said local police commander Frédéric Gisler.
‘It Was the Apocalypse’
Residents and survivors struggled to find words for what they witnessed.
“We thought it was just a small fire—but when we got there, it was war,” said Mathys, a resident of nearby Chermignon-d’en-Bas. “That’s the only word I can use: the apocalypse.”
Another witness, Nathan, who had been inside the bar shortly before the blaze, recalled seeing injured people pouring out.
“They were asking for help, crying out for help,” he said.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have ruled out an attack and declined to speculate on the cause. However, several eyewitness accounts aired by Swiss, French and Italian media suggested that sparklers attached to champagne bottles, part of a customary celebratory display, may have ignited the fire.
“There were waitresses with champagne bottles and little sparklers,” said Axel, a witness quoted by Italian outlet Local Team. “They got too close to the ceiling, and suddenly everything caught fire.”
The canton’s chief prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, said investigators would examine whether the venue complied with fire safety regulations, including exit requirements.
International Response
The area around the bar has been cordoned off with red-and-white police tape, while mourners laid flowers and lit candles nearby. White screens shielded the site as forensic teams continued their work.
Local hospitals were quickly overwhelmed, prompting the transfer of many victims to facilities across Switzerland and into neighbouring countries.
The European Union said it is in contact with Swiss authorities to offer medical support. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that some victims are being treated in France.
Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said around 15 Italians were injured, with a similar number still missing. France’s foreign ministry reported nine French nationals injured and eight unaccounted for.
Multiple sources told AFP that the bar’s owners are French nationals originally from Corsica. Relatives say they are believed to be safe but have been unreachable since the incident.
