Tragedy in Crans-Montana: 40 Dead, 83 Hospitalized After Fire

A devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana left 40 people dead and 83 injured, as authorities continue to investigate the calamity that occurred during New Year celebrations. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of January 1, 2024, when a blaze reportedly ignited in the basement, triggered by sparklers attached to champagne bottles coming into contact with sound insulation foam.

As of January 4, Swiss police confirmed that all 116 individuals injured in the fire have been identified. The deceased included a significant number of teenagers, with ages ranging from 14 to 39, and an average age of 19 years. The victims hailed from various nations, with a particularly high number of Swiss nationals among those affected.

Gian Lorenzo Cornado, the Italian ambassador to Switzerland, expressed profound sorrow at Sion Airport during the repatriation of five Italian victims. He emphasized that “this tragedy could have been avoided,” highlighting concerns over safety measures at the venue. The incident has sparked outrage and mourning, as the community comes together to remember those lost.

According to the Wallis cantonal police, of the 116 injured, 83 remain hospitalized. The most severely burned victims have been airlifted to specialized burn units within Switzerland and abroad. The police also reported that 19 foreign passport holders were among the deceased, including nine from France and six from Italy.

The fire has raised serious questions about compliance with local laws regarding the presence of minors in establishments serving alcohol after 10:00 pm. It has been reported that 26 of the deceased were teenagers, with eight under the age of 16. Mathias Reynard, president of the Wallis cantonal government, indicated that answers must be provided for the grieving families, emphasizing the need for transparency and justice.

Among the victims was Caroline Rey, a 24-year-old local resident. Her father, Joel Rey, a councillor in nearby Sierre, shared his grief with Swiss broadcaster RTS, stating, “My world fell apart… The pain felt by a parent who loses a child is unimaginable.”

In the wake of the tragedy, Switzerland has declared a national day of mourning on January 5, with all church bells set to toll at 14:00 (1300 GMT) in remembrance of the victims. A moment of silence is also planned, coinciding with a visit from French President Emmanuel Macron, who will participate in a ceremony honoring those who lost their lives.

As investigations continue, local authorities are under pressure to examine the safety protocols in place at Le Constellation and ensure that such a tragedy does not occur again. The impact of this event resonates beyond the immediate community, affecting families and individuals from multiple nations, all seeking answers and justice for their loved ones.