Survivor recounts escape from New Year’s Swiss resort fire

7 months ago The News Room

A survivor of a fire that ripped through Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana during the early hours of New Year’s Day has recounted the moments before he escaped the blaze, saying he thought he was “going to die”.

Around 40 people were killed during the fire and more than 115 were injured, most of them seriously, according to Valais canton police commander Frederic Gisler.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) told SBS News the department was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who was injured and receiving medical care following the fire.

“DFAT is making urgent enquiries with local authorities to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance,” the spokesperson said.

Swiss chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud told reporters at a press conference that early investigations indicate that the fire had started when candles or flares placed on champagne bottles were brought close to the ceiling.

“From there, a very rapid and widespread blaze occurred,” she said.