At a Glance
- 40 people died in the fire.
- 119 injured, many teens and young adults.
- Sparkling flares on Champagne bottles likely ignited the blaze.
- Why it matters: The tragedy underscores fire safety risks in crowded nightlife venues.
A fire that erupted in the Le Constellation bar on New Year’s Eve at the Crans-Montana ski resort claimed 40 lives and left 119 injured, according to Swiss investigators. The blaze began when sparkling flares atop Champagne bottles drifted too close to the crowded ceiling. Survivors and witnesses describe a chaotic scene of people scrambling for exits.
The Fire and Its Impact
The incident unfolded early Thursday night, ripping through the busy bar as revelers celebrated. The flames collapsed the wooden ceiling and spread rapidly, trapping dozens inside. Authorities report that many of the injured were teens to mid-20s.
- Deaths: 40
- Injuries: 119
- Missing: 2-3 friends of survivor Axel Clavier
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Deaths | 40 |
| Injured | 119 |
| Missing | 2-3 |
Investigation and Community Response
Swiss investigators say the spark from Champagne flares caused the fire. Valais regional government head Mathias Reynard praised emergency officials and citizens for their heroic actions. The cause remains under investigation.
- Valais head Mathias Reynard praised the emergency response:
> “In the first minutes it was citizens – and in large part young people – who saved lives with their courage.”
- Survivor Axel Clavier said:
> “Two or three of my friends remained missing hours after the disaster.”
- Pope Leo sent a telegram of condolences to the bishop of Sion.
Medical Response and Survivor Accounts
Geneva University Hospitals treated five patients, most aged 15 to 30. Dr. Robert Larribau explained that many suffered from backdraft and flashover injuries. Survivors recount chaotic moments, including a bartender lifting another with a lit candle.
- Axel Clavier forced a window open with a table to escape.
- Gianni Campolo rushed to help first responders after a friend escaped.
- Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old Italian golfer, remains listed as missing; Italy’s Foreign Minister said 13 Italians were injured and six missing.
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Backdraft | New air contacts a fire that has used all oxygen, causing fatal injuries and blast trauma. |
| Flashover | All flammable materials ignite simultaneously, causing severe burns and inhalation injury. |
Key Takeaways
- 40 people died and 119 injured in a bar fire sparked by Champagne sparklers.
- The cause is still under investigation; authorities credit citizens for saving lives.
- Medical teams are treating young patients with severe burn and inhalation injuries.
The tragedy at Crans-Montana highlights the dangers of flammable decorations in crowded venues and the importance of swift emergency response.
