Witnesses describe chaos as packed Swiss bar fire leaves dozens dead and many injured

Witnesses say patrons were trampling one another while trying to flee a blaze that tore through Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Police have confirmed about 40 people were killed and 115 others injured, the majority suffering serious burns. Authorities have not released a final fatality toll, though the Italian foreign ministry said Swiss officials reported at least 40 deaths.

Samuel Rapp, who was nearby when the fire began, said the entrance was crowded and people were "walking on everybody" to escape. He and other witnesses described screaming, injured patrons on the floor, burned hair and some people with their clothes burned off.

Others who reached the scene tried to help. Leon Christe, who works in Crans-Montana, said he was among the first and gave first aid to many young victims, calling the scene "very chaotic and very sad."

A 16-year-old survivor described total chaos inside the bar, saying he hid behind a table before escaping through a plexiglass window and later learned one friend had died and others were missing. He said he lost personal belongings while fleeing but was relieved to have survived.

Witnesses reported an "explosion" and people smashing windows to get out. Panicked parents gathered at the scene as emergency services dealt with the aftermath of the fire.

Key Topics

World, United States, Switzerland, Fire, Crans-montana, Bar Fire, New Year's