At least 40 people have been killed and 115 injured in a devastating fire at the Constellation Bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as partygoers scrambled to escape the blaze, with some smashing windows and others suffering severe burns, including loss of hair and clothing.
Samuel Rapp, a nearby restaurant patron, told Sky News he saw “a lot of people at the entry trying to escape. And it was full and people [were] walking on everybody trying to escape,” adding that many were “screaming, trying to escape” and lying on the floor amid the panic.
Video footage showed flames rapidly spreading across the ceiling while partygoers attempted to flee, with some trying to put out the fire using shirts, only for the flames to intensify.
Authorities have warned that confirming the identities of the victims will take time due to the severity of the burns, with dental and DNA records being used to assist identification.
Switzerland’s President, Guy Parmelin, called the incident “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever known,” while King Charles described it as a “horrific disaster.”
Investigations into the cause are ongoing, though witnesses reported seeing sparklers or candles in bottles in the basement bar.
The tragedy has prompted five days of national mourning, and hospitals continue to treat both local and foreign victims, including citizens from France and Italy. Vigils have been held near the site, with mourners lighting candles and laying flowers for those lost in the fire.