A tragic fire at a popular bar in a Swiss ski resort has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with many young people among the victims. The blaze broke out in the early hours of New Year's Day at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a luxury Alpine destination.
A Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy
The explosion and subsequent fire occurred around 1:30 AM on Thursday, shortly after midnight, as the bar was filled with revelers. At least 40 people have been confirmed dead, and another 115 suffered injuries. Authorities have warned that identifying all victims may take several days due to the severity of the burns sustained.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed profound sorrow, noting that many of those affected were young individuals "full of plans, hope and dreams." This sentiment was tragically underscored by the confirmation that some of the missing and deceased are under the age of 18.
First Victim Identified as Teenage Golfer
The first victim to be publicly named is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage golfer from Italy. The Italian Golf Federation released a statement mourning the loss of "a young athlete who embodied passion and authentic values." His death highlights the international impact of the disaster, which affected many tourists in the Valais region.
Safety Questions and Official Reactions
Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, visited the scene on Friday and delivered a stark assessment. He described the safety situation at the bar as "terrible" and labeled the use of small fireworks inside the establishment as "irresponsible." Visibly emotional, Tajani, who is a father and grandfather, stated he could understand the anguish of the victims' parents.
"Obviously, something didn't work. It will be the judges who carry out the investigation and apportion liability," Tajani added after viewing what he called "dramatic footage" from the incident. While the official cause of the fire is still under investigation, authorities have already ruled out the possibility of a deliberate attack.
The community of Crans-Montana and nations whose citizens were caught in the fire are now left to grieve. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols, especially in crowded venues during festive periods.
