Shocking promotional footage has surfaced showing indoor pyrotechnics at a Swiss ski resort bar where a devastating fire erupted during New Year's Eve celebrations, claiming the lives of 40 people.
Promotional Video Fuels Questions Over Fire Cause
The year-old promotional clip for the Le Constellation bar in the upmarket resort of Crans-Montana, in southwestern Switzerland, prominently features what appear to be miniature fireworks being carried inside bottles of sparkling wine. The flashy display, performed by helmeted staff in the low-ceilinged venue, has been cited by some witnesses as a potential cause of the blaze.
The fire broke out around 1.30am on Thursday, New Year's Day. While authorities have not yet confirmed the cause, they have stated there is no evidence to suggest a terrorist attack, indicating the tragedy appears to be a horrific accident.
This incident echoes a similar New Year's Eve disaster 25 years ago in Volendam, the Netherlands, where a fire killed nine young people and injured 180. Witnesses to that 2001 blaze also reported sparklers as a possible trigger.
Panic and Tragedy: Witness Accounts from the Inferno
Phone footage from inside Le Constellation in the moments after the fire started shows thick, rapid flames crawling across the ceiling. Later footage depicts the building completely engulfed, with panicked crowds screaming as they fled for their lives.
One witness described desperately smashing a window to crawl to safety, losing his shoes in the process. Another recounted the horrifying sight of bodies on the floor as he escaped.
The toll from the fire is severe and international. Approximately 40 people were killed and more than 100 were injured. Of the 115 people hospitalised, many sustained serious injuries. Most victims are reported to be young people.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has confirmed one Australian is among the surviving victims. DFAT continues to work to confirm if any other Australians were involved.
The French Foreign Ministry announced at least six French nationals were injured, with eight still unaccounted for. Italy's foreign minister stated up to 15 Italians were hospitalised, with another 16 missing.
Identification Difficulties and Plea to Families
Valais Cantonal Police said the victims are of various nationalities and warned that identification could take days or even weeks. Victims were sent to multiple hospitals across Switzerland and into neighbouring countries.
Swiss broadcaster SRF Zurich reported the identification process is extremely difficult, as many survivors are unresponsive or unrecognisable due to burns. While family members have been arriving at emergency departments searching for loved ones, police have urgently requested they stay away to avoid placing extra strain on medical facilities overwhelmed with caring for the critically injured.
As investigations continue, the emergence of the promotional video has cast a stark light on the potential dangers of indoor pyrotechnics in crowded venues.
