Tragic Incident in Crans-Montana Leaves 40 Dead and 119 Injured
Swiss authorities are nearly certain that the tragic fire at the ‘Le Constellation’ bar-discotheque in Crans-Montana originated from fireworks stuck to champagne bottles hanging from the ceiling.
Confirmed Victims and Injured
The latest update maintains the provisional death toll at 40, but increases the number of injured to 119, with 113 identified so far. The nationalities of the injured are as follows:
- 71 Swiss
- 14 French
- 11 Italian
- 4 Serbian
- 1 Bosnian
- 1 Portuguese
- 1 Polish
- 1 Luxembourgish
Interrogations and Potential Penal Investigation
According to General Prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud, during a press conference, “The firework was attached to a champagne bottle that was too close to the ceiling. This is how the fire started.” She also mentioned that several individuals have been interrogated, including the couple who runs the bar. A penal investigation for involuntary manslaughter may be initiated if necessary.
Hospitalized Victims
Eric Bonvin, Director General of the Valais Hospital, confirmed that 55 people were hospitalized due to the fire. Of these:
- 11 remain in the Sion hospital
- 28 were transferred to other Swiss or foreign hospitals
Of the 11 patients still in the Sion hospital, four are in critical condition in intensive care, three are undergoing surgery, and four more are being treated at the nearby Sierre Hospital.
Key Questions and Answers
- What caused the fire? Fireworks were attached to champagne bottles hanging from the ceiling, which ignited the blaze.
- How many people were killed and injured? Forty people lost their lives, and 119 were injured, with 113 identified so far.
- What are the nationalities of the victims and injured? The injured include 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italians, 4 Serbians, 1 Bosnian, 1 Portuguese, 1 Pole, and 1 Luxembourgish.
- Who has been interrogated in connection with the incident? The couple who runs the bar, along with several others, have been interviewed. A penal investigation for involuntary manslaughter may be initiated.
- How many people were hospitalized, and what is their current status? Fifty-five individuals were hospitalized due to the fire. Eleven remain in the Sion hospital, with four in critical condition in intensive care, three undergoing surgery, and four being treated at the Sierre Hospital. Twenty-eight others were transferred to other Swiss or foreign hospitals.
