Tragedy Strikes in Crans-Montana: New Year’s Eve Fire at Constellation Bar

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — As revelers celebrated the new year atop the breathtaking Swiss Alps, a night filled with joy turned to horror in an instant. Seventeen-year-old Ebenezer Mehari decided to step outside the crowded Constellation Bar for a breath of fresh air. What he encountered next was an unimaginable scene of chaos—a deadly fire that would claim many lives and leave a community reeling.

The Unfolding Catastrophe

In an interview with NBC News, Mehari described the moment the situation escalated dramatically. “Hell erupted,” he exclaimed, recalling the eruption of a loud boom followed by frantic screams piercing the festive atmosphere. A thick cloud of smoke engulfed the venue, making it impossible for many to see or navigate. As he struggled to breathe, Mehari fell to the ground, driven by fear and confusion. Fortunately, a stranger pulled him to safety, but his friends were not as lucky. “I have four friends who died,” he lamented, still grappling with the shock of their loss.

Harrowing Accounts from Survivors

Survivors of the fire painted a grim picture of the chaotic events. Mehari had lived in Crans-Montana for 15 years and now found himself witnessing unimaginable horrors. He spoke of seeing acquaintances engulfed in flames, their appearances forever altered, and of witnessing someone dying in front of him. “Her face was so burned it was red,” he recalled.

The bar, which had become a popular hotspot for local teenagers—where the legal drinking age is just 16—was filled with young adults looking to ring in the new year with friends. Mehari was taken to a hospital ward in Sion, where he received mental health support, but he found solace elusive. “I tried to sleep, but I can’t,” he said, hinting at the traumatic memories haunting him.

The Aftermath of the Fire

As reports from the scene emerged, the shock of the tragedy deepened. Officials reported at least 40 dead and some 119 injured, many suffering from severe burns. Medical professionals described the injuries as “catastrophic,” with some victims facing a long rehabilitation process that could span months or even years. Dr. Eric Bonvin, the general director of the regional hospital, mentioned that the average age of the injured was around 20, with many showing signs of trauma not just from burns, but also from smoke inhalation.

A Community in Mourning

Eyewitness accounts provided insight into the chaos of the night. Samuel Rapp, who was dining at a nearby restaurant when the fire broke out, recounted the distressing scene. “People were walking on everybody,” he said, reflecting on the human instinct for survival overwhelming basic compassion. He estimated many collapsed victims were beyond help, noting that jackets were thrown over their faces.

Others, like Laetitia Place, described how panic took hold as partygoers pushed toward the only available exit. “We were piled on top of each other, some people were burning, and some were dead next to us,” she described, emphasizing the depth of fear that gripped her and those around her.

The Physical and Emotional Toll

As injured survivors began receiving treatment, doctors faced the daunting task of caring for young patients with severe injuries. Many had burns not only on their skin but also internally from smoke inhalation. Dr. Bonvin emphasized the dire situation, stating, “Inhalations of both smoke and heat… led to internal burns. That’s a really catastrophic situation.”

The emotional toll on the community is palpable, with families anxiously wondering about their loved ones who might have been at the party. “It was hard to live through for everyone,” Bonvin noted. “Seeing young people arrive— that’s always traumatic.”

The Long Road Ahead

In the wake of this tragedy, healing will take time—both for the victims and the community as a whole. “For those with serious burns, intensive care treatment lasts several months,” Bonvin explained. However, he also expressed a measure of hope: “They are young, and that means they still have a lot of vitality.”

In Crans-Montana, a community once known for its mountains and ski resorts now faces a new reality marked by loss and resilience. As candles flicker in memory of those lost, the echoes of laughter from New Year’s Eve now serve as a haunting reminder of the fragility of life.