New Year Party Turns Tragic: Deadly Fire Kills 40 at Swiss Ski Resort Bar

New Year Party Turns Tragic:Deadly Fire Kills 40 at Swiss Ski Resort Bar

CNB World Times

               A deadly fire broke out during New Year’s Eve celebrations at a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. At least 40 people were killed and around 115 others were injured, according to Swiss police. Many of the injured are in serious condition.

             The incident happened around 1.30 am local time at a bar called Le Constellation, located in the Valais canton of southwestern Switzerland. The bar was crowded with people celebrating the arrival of the new year when the fire suddenly erupted.

           Authorities said several people are still missing, including a teenage boy who was celebrating with friends. His parents have confirmed that they have not yet been able to locate him. Families of the victims are anxiously waiting for information.

                    Initial reports suggested there may have been an explosion. However, officials later clarified that there is no sign of an attack. Swiss authorities believe the fire was accidental, but the exact cause is still under investigation.

              Valais Canton police commander Frédéric Gisler told reporters that investigators have not yet been able to enter the wreckage safely. The process of identifying victims and informing their families has begun, but it will take time. He said the local community is deeply devastated by the tragedy.

                 Valais Canton Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud confirmed that terrorism has been ruled out. “At no moment is there a question of any kind of attack,” she said. The focus remains on determining how the fire started.

                   Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes inside the bar. Two women said they saw a barman carrying a barmaid who was holding a lit candle inside a bottle. The candle reportedly set fire to the wooden ceiling, causing flames to spread rapidly and the ceiling to collapse.

                Witnesses also spoke of panic as people tried to escape through a narrow staircase and a small exit. Some smashed windows to flee the fire. Others described seeing badly injured people outside as parents rushed to the scene to search for their children.

                       Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old from Paris, survived by pushing out a plexiglass window with a table. He said the situation inside was “total chaos.” One of his friends died, while two or three others are still missing.

                        Officials said the fire may have caused combustible gases to ignite suddenly, leading to a flashover or backdraft. Helicopters and ambulances rushed to the scene to help victims, including tourists from different countries.

                         Swiss President described the incident as the “worst tragedy” in recent years. The nation is in mourning, and flags will fly at half-mast for             five days. Regional hospitals are overwhelmed, and authorities have urged people to be cautious to avoid further strain on medical services.

                          “This evening should have been a moment of celebration, but it turned into a nightmare,” said Mathias Reynard, head of the Valais Canton government.