International-News

Crans-Montana bar fire kills at least 37, injures more than 100

A birthday candle sparked a deadly blaze at the ‘Le Constellation’ bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, causing chaos and mass casualties during New Year’s celebrations

The deadly Crans-Montana bar fire is believed to have started from a birthday candle or a sparkling candle attached to a champagne bottle. When a woman lifted the bottle, the candle ignited the ceiling, and flames spread rapidly throughout the bar. Several witnesses described chaotic scenes to French TV channel Bfmtv, calling it “absolute panic” with everyone screaming.

Reports indicate there were about 200 people inside the bar, including many minors. The single exit was too small, forcing customers to break a window to escape. Several people were injured, and emergency responders arrived promptly. At Lausanne University Hospital, 22 burn victims are currently receiving treatment, according to a hospital spokesperson. The youngest victim was 16 years old. They were airlifted to Lausanne following the Crans-Montana bar fire. Victims are being treated in the burn center at Lausanne University Hospital, as well as in adult and pediatric intensive care units.

Zurich University Hospital, a specialized burn center, has admitted over a dozen burn victims from Crans-Montana. A spokesperson said more patients are expected and will be transported by helicopter. Switzerland has only two specialized burn centers: Zurich and Lausanne University Hospitals. After the devastating Crans-Montana bar fire, local residents reported dramatic scenes, with streets filled with stunned onlookers, sirens blaring, and helicopters flying throughout the night. Many young patrons had been inside the bar.

A London tourist told Blick journalists that there were many fireworks that night despite being prohibited. “Then suddenly there was a very loud explosion. After that, I heard several ambulances,” he said. The explosion in the bar’s basement was confirmed not to be a terrorist attack. Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud explicitly stated: “An attack can be absolutely ruled out.” Investigations into the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire are ongoing. Authorities confirmed at a press conference that dozens of people died and at least 100 were injured in the disaster.

THE LATEST NEWS