A spontaneous memorial site has arisen for the numerous individuals who lost their lives in a tragic fire at a ski resort. The incident claimed the lives of approximately 40 people.
At around 7 pm local time, two groups of police officers, some carrying sizable bags, were observed entering the restricted area. Mourners are paying their respects by placing flowers and lighting candles at a growing makeshift memorial near Rue Centrale, in proximity to the bar.
Witnesses have observed many individuals making the sign of the cross while viewing the tributes, which consist of numerous bouquets. Media outlets from various European countries, such as Italy and France, have started converging on the location, situated next to a small gas station in the heart of Crans-Montana.
Despite the frigid temperature of -4C, onlookers are standing and gazing at the scene, visibly stunned for extended periods. A significant number of people, including many in tears, have gathered around a makeshift memorial close to the bar.
They are encircling the memorial, with some areas having a depth of over 20 individuals. Others are positioned on top of a nearby parking structure and on a raised roundabout to get a better view.
Despite the large crowd, there is an eerie silence, with most individuals standing quietly, while a few occasionally speak in hushed tones. Among them are Ivan Wyssen and his wife Juliane, 42, who traveled from their residence about 20 minutes away to show support for the victims.
Ivan, 40, recounted witnessing the emergency vehicles early in the morning around 2 am. He expressed his shock, stating, “It’s very terrible. People here are in shock. I think many young people have died.”
Mourners, some visibly emotional, can be seen embracing each other at the site. Ski instructor Antonio Somma, 18, a regular patron of the bar who resides just a short distance away, narrowly avoided being caught in the tragedy as he was on his way to the bar from another establishment.
Antonio shared, “One of my friends was in the bar. He is in a coma in a hospital in Stuttgart. He is aged 18. I found out this morning. It was difficult to hear that. We have no information apart from he is in a coma but we hope he gets better. We arrived at 1.30 am just after it happened. It was shocking. We didn’t believe at first it was real.”
He continued, “I frequently go to this bar. Normally it is for people over 18, but we know they let younger people in. A friend of my mother works in the hospital and says some of the victims are between 14 and 17 years old. Everybody here is sad. We have come here to think about the people inside. I don’t know how we will recover.”
An unnamed local resident claimed that the bar is a popular spot for underage teenagers as it does not require identification from patrons.
Describing the bar as a hub for young people, the resident mentioned, “Its clientele mainly comprises young individuals as there is no age verification required. The music played caters to a younger audience. I have seen candles and sparklers being used there before, though I didn’t witness any issues.”
The resident added, “We suspect one of our friends has passed away, but we are awaiting confirmation.”
A young female student, in tears, shared her concerns that two close friends may have perished in the tragedy. She expressed disbelief at the unfolding events.
Another acquaintance of the student highlighted the town’s popularity among tourists, particularly partygoers, including British visitors.
Describing the Le Constellation bar as a favored destination for young people, the acquaintance noted its popularity and lenient ID policies. She revealed, “We have heard that one of the waitresses and the DJ died. They are individuals we are familiar with. We frequent the bar weekly. I have been told there were 400 people inside the bar at the time of the fire. It is a sizable establishment.”
The Crans-Montana resort, renowned for its skiing and golf facilities, tragically transformed overnight as the lively Le Constellation bar became the site of a devastating incident. Valais Canton police commander Frederic Gisler, speaking at a press briefing, mentioned ongoing efforts to identify the victims and notify their families, underscoring the community’s profound grief.
Valais Canton attorney general Beatrice Pilloud indicated that it was premature to determine the fire’s cause, which erupted shortly after midnight on Thursday. Access to the wreckage for investigative purposes was pending.
Ms. Pilloud emphasized that there was no indication of any deliberate attack and noted the ongoing uncertainty regarding the number of individuals present in the bar. The investigation, she clarified, aimed to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic fire.
She affirmed, “For now, there are no suspects. The investigation has been launched not against any