Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old from Paris, said he felt he could no longer breathe as flames and smoke engulfed the Alpine bar where he had been celebrating the New Year with friends and other revelers. He managed to escape shortly after midnight by breaking open a window with a table.
While Clavier survived, nearly 40 others did not, including one of his close friends. Police said the fire tore through the crowded Le Constellation bar, injuring about 115 people, many of them critically. Several of Clavier’s friends were still unaccounted for hours after the incident.
Authorities said identifying the victims and notifying their families remains a priority. Valais Canton police commander Frédéric Gisler described the local community as “deeply shaken” and confirmed that the exact number of people inside the bar at the time is still unknown.
Valais Canton Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said investigators have not yet determined what caused the fire and stressed that there is no indication of an attack. She added that the bar’s maximum capacity will be examined as part of the investigation and that no arrests have been made.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes inside the venue. Clavier recalled seeing staff carrying Champagne bottles with sparklers shortly before the fire but did not witness how it started. He lost personal belongings while escaping but said he was grateful to be alive, adding that he remained in shock.
Other witnesses told French media that flames may have spread from an open flame, causing the wooden ceiling to collapse. Panic erupted as people attempted to flee through narrow stairways and exits, with some smashing windows to escape. Outside, distraught parents rushed to the scene, fearing their children were trapped inside.
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Regional government head Mathias Reynard said a night meant for celebration had turned into a nightmare. The tragedy comes as the resort remains busy with winter tourists, prompting authorities to urge caution to avoid further strain on emergency services.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin called for unity and compassion, praising emergency responders who faced scenes of extreme distress and urging the nation to confront the tragedy with courage and solidarity.
Source: AP