Fire and explosion in the Le Constellation club in Crans-Montana during a New Year’s Eve party: dozens of victims, many young people, the causes are being investigated
A night of celebration transformed into a nightmare. In Crans-Montana, an exclusive ski resort in the Canton of Valais, a fire followed by one or more explosions devastated the Le Constellation venue during a New Year’s Eve party. The provisional toll, still dramatically unstable, speaks of at least 40 victims and around a hundred injured, many of whom with very serious burns. The Swiss authorities do not rule out the involvement of foreign tourists; among the hypotheses being examined, the event is not considered an attack.
The dynamics: flames in the basement and panicked escape
The alarm went off around 1.30 am. The flames would have developed in the basement of the venue, which is very popular and capable of hosting up to 400 people. At the time of the fire, over one hundred young people were still inside. According to testimonies collected by the French and Swiss media, the party was reserved for under 17s. In a few seconds the fire would have invaded the two levels of the venue. “The door was too small to let everyone out,” said two young French men; someone would have broken a window to create an escape route.
The causes: candles on champagne bottles hypothesis
The causes are being investigated. Some witnesses speak of candles lit on bottles of champagne, held close to a wooden ceiling that would have quickly caught fire. Other testimonies refer to an explosion perceived as a consequence of the fire. The authorities have ruled out arson and the attack; the exact origin remains to be ascertained.
Unprecedented rescues: helicopters, intensive care to the limit
The rescue machine moved immediately: dozens of ambulances, around ten helicopters and over 150 rescuers. Many injured people were transferred to hospitals in Lausanne, Geneva, Sion and Zurich, including specialized centers for large burns. According to health facilities, the intensive care units in Valais are full. Among those hospitalized, there are also very young people: the youngest reported victim is 16 years old.
Italians involved? Farnesina and embassy on site
The Farnesina and the Italian Consulate in Geneva are following the evolution hour by hour. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani declared that the presence of Italians among the victims cannot be ruled out. The ambassador in Bern is on site: identifying the deceased, many of whom are unrecognizable due to burns, could take weeks. A help line for family members and a collection point have been activated in Crans-Montana.
Testimonies: «Carnage»
The stories are heartbreaking. “Boys came out bloodied, some without clothes,” witnesses reported. Others speak of lifeless bodies in front of the club and of uncontrollable panic during the escape. An Italian doctor who intervened with the Aosta Valley Civil Protection described “a catastrophic situation”, with a continuous flow of burn injuries and crushing injuries.
International condolences
Messages of sympathy arrived from various countries. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences and thanked the rescue teams already operational, confirming coordination with the Farnesina.
Crans-Montana, symbol of Alpine tourism
The scene of the tragedy, it is one of the most famous Alpine destinations in Europe, with 140 kilometers of slopes, international sporting events and young, international tourism. A place that, on New Year’s Eve, suddenly found itself suspended between luxury and mourning, while the authorities continue to work to clarify responsibilities and name the victims.
