Authorities in Switzerland continue to grapple with the aftermath of a deadly fire that engulfed the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana during New Year's Eve celebrations, killing approximately 40 people and injuring 115 others. The blaze, one of the worst tragedies in Switzerland's modern history, has left families across Europe awaiting news as forensic teams work to identify victims through dental records and DNA analysis.
Valais Canton Police Chief Frederic Gisler confirmed the casualty figures at a press conference on Thursday, emphasizing the severity of burns sustained by the predominantly young crowd. Over 100 injured individuals—many critically—were transported to hospitals in Sion, Lausanne, Zurich, and Geneva, with some potentially being transferred abroad for specialized care.
While the cause remains under investigation, preliminary accounts suggest a possible accident involving decorative candles igniting the basement ceiling. Swiss President Guy Parmelin postponed his New Year's address to declare five days of national mourning, stating, "Such tragedies must be prevented in the future."
Global Repercussions and Chinese Nationals
As foreign embassies assist with victim identification, the Chinese embassy confirmed no reports of Chinese mainland casualties as of Thursday evening. Swiss authorities are still verifying the nationalities of those affected, with cross-border coordination ongoing.
Community in Mourning
A silent vigil in Crans-Montana drew hundreds of residents and tourists, who laid flowers and lit candles near the cordoned-off site. Emotional scenes unfolded as survivors shared harrowing accounts, including Paul Markins, whose son narrowly avoided the fire. "The pain of others is everyone's pain," said longtime resident Veronica, capturing the collective grief.
With the Valais region under a state of emergency, questions about safety protocols in crowded venues are mounting. As forensic teams labor to provide closure to families, this tragedy underscores the fragility of life in even the most idyllic settings.
