00:00New Year's Eve turned into unimaginable tragedy in the Swiss Alps. What began as
00:24celebration inside a packed bar in Kranz, Montana ended in fire, panic and death. Around 40 people
00:32were killed and more than 115 injured when flames tore through La Constellation Bar during
00:38midnight festivities, according to Swiss police. La Constellation was crowded with more than 150
00:44people welcoming the New Year. Music played, drinks flowed, laughter filled the room. Then suddenly
00:52everything changed. Police say the explosion originated in the basement, sending fire racing
00:58upward.
00:58At the time I speak, all the injured were able to be taken charge of. We had a dozen of
01:09injured, most of them gravely, and unfortunately, several dozen people were presumed to be dead.
01:17Nineteen-year-old Nathan was nearby when the fire broke out. He describes the moment
01:23as unreal.
01:24What should have been a joyful start to the year became a moment of irreversible loss. Eyewitnesses
01:30believe the fire spread after a lit candle came too close to the wooden ceiling. In seconds, flames
01:57flames rolled across the roof, triggering what officials call an
02:00embracement generalized, a sudden, violent flashover.
02:05Some initially thought the blasts were fireworks.
02:09Many victims suffered severe burns. Emergency crews
02:13struggled to reach those trapped inside as smoke and heat intensified.
02:17Authorities say the death toll may rise, describing
02:20fatalities only as tens for now. Families are still
02:24waiting for answers. Police stress the cause is still under
02:29investigation. The tragedy comes amid growing fire risks in
02:33Switzerland, after years of drought and recurring wildfires.
02:37The nation mourns, searching for how celebration turned to
02:41catastrophe.
02:41Subscribe to OneIndia and never miss an update.
02:57Download the OneIndia app now.
02:59OneIndia.
03:01OneIndia.
03:03OneIndia.
03:05OneIndia.
03:07OneIndia.
03:09OneIndia.
03:09OneIndia.
Comments