The commander added that the police are working intensively to identify the deceased. The injured were taken to several hospitals in Switzerland. The prosecutor general of the canton of Valais, Beatrice Pilloud, said that “significant resources” would be devoted to identifying all victims as quickly as possible. However, local authorities warned that it could “take several days”.
The article continues below the video
How many people died in a fire in Switzerland?
What are the causes of the fire in Crans-Montana?
Who is responsible for identifying victims?
What were the effects of the fire on the injured?
The Swiss daily “Le Nouvelliste” described the course of events on New Year's Eve, writing that at Smoke was noticed at the premises in Crans-Montana at 1:30 a.m., and the police arrived two minutes later. Shortly after 5 – added – all the injured have already been taken care of.
The French television BFM TV published a photo showing the moment the fire broke out. The photo shows a group of people celebrating in a bar. Several of them hold large bottles of champagne above their heads, each with a lit cold fire. At some point, sparks from the sparklers reach the ceiling, igniting acoustic panels filled with sound-absorbing polyurethane foam.
Such panels “are often made of flammable plastics that ignite very quickly from sparks or hot particles.” The foam is classified M4 (highly flammable, least effective) in accordance with the NF P 92-507 standard.
Another published photo shows a waitress being carried on her shoulders by a man. The woman is holding bottles of champagne and lit sparklers right next to the ceiling in question, which contained flammable elements.
Fire in Switzerland. “One of the worst tragedies”
The president of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, admitted that many of the victims were young people. During a press conference, he called the fire “one of the worst tragedies” the country has experienced.
On his first day in his new position, Parmelin said he expected a different message on New Year's Day. He expressed his “sincere condolences” to those affected by the tragedy and assured them that they were not alone in these moments.
The politician also expressed gratitude to the international community for the support provided to his country. “We see broader international solidarity beyond our neighboring countries,” he noted.
