Switzerland and the world awoke on Thursday morning to a horrific human tragedy that turned New Year's celebrations into a bloody nightmare, as Swiss police announced that at least 40 people were killed and about 115 others were injured to varying degrees, following a massive fire in a crowded cafe in the famous Crans-Montana ski resort in the Alps.
Details of the bloody night in the Alps
At a press conference in Sion, Valais cantonal police chief Frédéric Geissler confirmed the initial death toll, describing the scene as horrific. He explained that the fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. (00:30 GMT), at the height of the celebrations, causing panic and a stampede among those present. Officials indicated that most of the injured were in critical condition, suggesting the death toll could rise.
For its part, the authorities have ruled out the possibility of a terrorist act at the moment, as Stefan Ganzier, the Valais cantonal councillor responsible for security, pointed to an explosion followed by a fire, stressing that investigations are still underway to determine the exact causes of this tragic incident.
Horrifying testimonies and scenes of chaos
Mobile phone cameras captured the terrifying moments, with a tourist in New York filming videos showing orange flames engulfing the area amidst screams for help and desperate attempts to escape. Eyewitnesses recounted how some were forced to break windows to save their lives, while others were seen running through snow-covered streets with burns visible on their bodies, in a scene described by officials as "dramatic and chaotic.".
Medical mobilization and logistical challenges
Given the scale of the event and the large number of casualties, emergency teams faced immense challenges. With the emergency department at Valais' main hospital overwhelmed, national disaster plans were activated, and the injured were transported by helicopter and ambulance to specialized hospitals in major Swiss cities such as Zurich, Lausanne, and Geneva. The public prosecutor for the canton of Valais, Beatrice Pilloux, confirmed that all resources were being mobilized to identify the victims and return the bodies to their families, a complex process that could take days.
Crans-Montana: From Tourism to Mourning
Crans-Montana is one of Switzerland's and Europe's premier tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors annually thanks to its stunning location in the heart of the Alps and its luxurious infrastructure. This time of year is typically the busiest and most economically vibrant for the region, but this incident could cast a shadow over the tourist season and raise new questions about safety measures in crowded venues during major events.
International repercussions and European solidarity
The tragedy was not confined to Switzerland, but extended to neighboring countries, given the resort's international nature. The French Foreign Ministry confirmed French victims and expressed President Emmanuel Macron's full solidarity with Switzerland. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also announced that a number of Italian citizens were injured or missing.
Commenting on the incident, Swiss President Guy Parmelin described what happened as "one of the worst tragedies" in the country's modern history, expressing his regret that moments of joy had turned into national mourning that went beyond Switzerland's borders to shock the entire international community.
