A devastating fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has claimed 40 lives and left over 119 injured during the resort’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. The tragedy unfolded late on December 31st, prompting a swift but challenging response from emergency services.
Initial investigations point to the use of sparkling flares ignited on Champagne bottles as the cause. Witnesses, including 16-year-old Axel Clavier, described a scene of chaos, with waitresses holding lit candles within bottles that sparked, ultimately leading to a catastrophic collapse of the bar’s wooden ceiling. The resulting inferno created a hazardous environment, trapping numerous individuals and causing severe burns.
Panic ensued as people rushed to assist first responders, with 19-year-old Gianni Campolo among those providing immediate aid. The sheer number of casualties and the intensity of the blaze have complicated the identification process, with the severity of the burns significantly hindering forensic efforts.
The event has drawn international attention, particularly given the presence of numerous Italian nationals at the resort. 17-year-old golfer Emanuele Galeppini remains officially listed as missing, prompting a coordinated search operation. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that 13 Italian citizens sustained injuries, with six still unaccounted for as of midday Friday.
Local authorities are appealing for calm amidst the heightened volume of tourists and the considerable strain on medical resources. Crans-Montana, a renowned host for World Cup events and the European Masters golf tournament, is currently grappling with the aftermath of this horrific incident. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are emphasizing the need for extreme caution regarding the use of open flames in crowded environments. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
