A Sparkling Disaster in the Swiss Alps

In the heart of the Swiss Alps, a night of celebration turned into a nightmare.

The Incident

• Location: A popular bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana
• Casualties: 40 lives lost, 119 injured
• Cause: Investigators believe flares on Champagne bottles sparked the fire

Survivor's Account

• Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old from Paris, described feeling like he was suffocating as he fought to escape.
• He managed to break a window with a table, but not everyone was as lucky.
• Many of the victims were young, in their teens to mid-20s.

Witness Accounts

• Some saw waitresses with Champagne bottles and burning sparklers.
• Others described a chaotic scene as people tried to escape through a narrow door and up a flight of stairs.
• The fire was so intense that it made it difficult to identify the victims, adding to the families' pain.

Community Response

• Mourners left candles and flowers.
• Hundreds prayed for the victims.
• Pope Leo sent condolences, expressing hope for the victims and strength for those left behind.

Aftermath

• The resort town of Crans-Montana is known for its ski slopes and golf courses.
• The recent tragedy has cast a shadow over the area.
• Authorities are urging caution to prevent further accidents and strain on medical resources.