A fire, not an explosion and above all not a terrorist attack. That’s the assessment from the Attorney General of the Canton of Valais regarding the incident that unfolded last night at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. It’s a crucial distinction, and one that quickly emerged as investigators pieced together the events.
Rescuers responded to reports of a thick cloud of smoke around 2:30 a.m., coinciding with the first emergency calls. According to two witnesses, two French nationals were able to leave the bar without injury. The blaze, which rapidly engulfed the basement and spread upwards, appears to have been ignited by employees—specifically, a bartender and a waitress—while handling a bottle of champagne equipped with a small pyrotechnic display. Sparks from the device reportedly reached the false ceiling, immediately igniting the flammable material.
Panic ensued as patrons attempted to escape through the bar’s single flight of stairs and only entrance, described by those present as narrow and congested.
Details Emerge About the Crans-Montana Fire
The incident is being investigated as an accident, not an act of terrorism.
- The fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana began around 2:30 a.m.
- Investigators have ruled out an explosion or terrorist attack.
- The fire is believed to have been started by employees using a pyrotechnic device.
- Witnesses described a chaotic escape through a narrow exit.
The Attorney General’s reconstruction of events suggests the fire was accidental, stemming from the misuse of a pyrotechnic display. The initial reports of a possible explosion quickly gave way to a more focused investigation into the circumstances surrounding the ignition. The scene was described as chaotic, with patrons scrambling to find a way out of the single available exit.
The narrow and cramped nature of the escape route undoubtedly contributed to the panic and difficulty in evacuating the bar. Authorities are continuing to investigate the full extent of the damage and to gather further details from witnesses and those involved.
