Several were killed, and many were injured after a deadly fire tore into a skilled resort in Crans Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve. The fire broke out at about 1:30 am at a bar called “Le Constellation” in Southwestern Switzerland. As per authorities, the cause of the explosion was not clear, but it seemed to be an accident rather than an attack.
There is a lack of clarity over the death toll, as Swiss officials claim over 10 deaths, while the Italian authorities have claimed that over 40 people have died. But what is clear is that the tragedy was a blot on the celebrations attended by many from across the world. Over 100 people are said to be injured, and most of them are seriously injured.
A local, Samuel Rapp, who saw the aftermath of the fire, said that several people were screaming, and in a moment, they were on the ground, lying dead. Describing the horrific incident, the 21-year-old said that the people had jackets over their faces. Two young French women, who were reportedly inside the bar when the fire broke out, told the BFM TV that the fire started after birthday candles were lit close to a wooden ceiling in the basement.
The duo also confirmed that the fire spread quickly from the ceiling of the basement to the ground floor, and they were able to escape through a narrow staircase, after which the fire had spread across the club. Gian Lorenzo Coronado, the Italian ambassador to Switzerland, talking to Sky TG24, local authorities said that the fire began after someone lit a firecracker inside the club.
The victims of the accident belonged to several countries, as they were gathered there for the New Year’s celebrations. Witnesses describe people suffering as they were admitted to a nearby bar, which was converted into a hospital.
