According to reports from PEOPLE magazine, a fire that took place in the Swiss Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana during the New Year’s Eve celebration is believed to have claimed at least three dozen lives. The fire and an ensuing explosion also resulted in more than 100 people being injured.
The New Year’s celebrations were cut short as the fire began shortly after midnight
Guests recalled the bar shifting from being a popular destination for skiers worldwide to a grieving community in an instant. Others also helped out those new to Verbier and who lost personal items during the mad rush from the bar.
An eyewitness told BBC News that he heard “a big explosion and after that we saw a lot of smoke.”
The cause of the blaze is still unknown, yet speculation ensues about unauthorized fireworks
More than 200 firefighters and emergency responders were dispatched by both the Swiss Police and Fire Departments to respond to and control the fire. Guests were airlifted via helicopters to hospitals in Geneva and Lausanne, while other guests received medical care at local hospitals.
Although the investigation into the source of the fire is ongoing, early reports indicate that the blaze could have originated from fireworks igniting some of the bar’s alcoholic beverages. However, authorities stated that they have not made any conclusions yet on the cause of the fire.
Verbier’s local government announced that there will be an evaluation and improvement of safety procedures at all resorts and places of amusement in order to prevent a disaster like this from happening again.
A famous tourist destination is now a tragic reminder of loss
As one of the most famous ski resorts in Switzerland, Verbier attracts thousands of tourists every winter. Following the fire, safety-related issues in tourist spots, especially those built with traditional wooden materials, have been raised.
Booking cancellations could result from the event, although tourism officials have promised visitor safety and risk management. Hospitality owners, along with fire safety consultants, have pledged full cooperation with the investigations.
Switzerland faces reputational damage on top of the many lives lost
Leaders from around Europe and beyond have sent letters of condolence and support to Switzerland for the fire, as well as a joint letter of support and recovery assistance to help rebuild from the disaster from the European Union. Both French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, along with the EU, have shown support and solidarity with Switzerland.
Switzerland has always been known to have some of the safest structures in the world due to its stringent building codes and safety regulations, and as such, there are many questions being asked about how this tragedy occurred. Some of those questions include whether the structure was overcrowded, if the number of exits was adequate, and/or if the bar owners were careless with the fire safety of the structure.
Many community leaders have stated that they will do all that they can to provide support to those who were injured, as well as psychological support. The Swiss National Government has stated that it will provide financial compensation to the families of those who lost their lives as well as to the survivors of the disaster.
The impact that the fire in Verbier has caused is truly reflective of how close-knit the community of Verbier is. The disaster at the bar in Verbier should also serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the integrity of structures, especially during times of celebration. With the potential for this fire to be one of the deadliest disasters that Switzerland has experienced, and potentially one of the most deadly since the Lake Geneva disaster, this fire will be remembered for years to come.
