Over 40 individuals lost their lives in a devastating fire at the ‘Le Constellation’ bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve. The tragic incident has left several others in critical condition, with ongoing efforts to save them. Swiss authorities have declared January 9 as a national day of remembrance for the victims.
The cause of the fire, suspected to be linked to sparklers, is under intense investigation, as confirmed by Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud. The sparklers in question were standard ones easily obtainable from supermarkets, and the club did not need a special permit to use them indoors. Efforts are underway to swiftly identify all the victims, as emphasized by Pierre-Antoine Lengen, the head of the Valais cantonal police.
Crans-Montana, a renowned tourist destination nestled in the Swiss Alps, attracts visitors worldwide for activities like skiing, snowboarding, and golf. The town, about two hours from Bern, the Swiss capital, is a popular spot for leisure and adventure enthusiasts. This tragic event follows a recent fire at Geneva’s historic Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues, causing injuries to several individuals.
