A chilling new photo from the deadly New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, shows the exact moment flames erupted from the ceiling foam
A disturbing new image from the tragic New Year’s Eve party at the Crans Montana nightclub captures the very moment the deadly flames erupted. Experts now warn that plastic soundproofing panels, seen in older images, may have fuelled the fatal blaze.
A new photo taken during the tragic night at Le Constellation bar in Crans Montana, Switzerland, showcases the exact moment the fire that killed 40 people and injured 119 broke out.
At the top of the image, the first flames can be seen on the foam attached to the ceiling of the venue, according to French news channel BFMTV, which also obtained the photo.
In the same picture, several people, either customers or staff, are seen holding up bottles with sparkling candles (or flares) attached to them. In the background, a woman perched on a man’s shoulders can also be seen.
Older photos from social media suggest that plastic soundproofing panels may have been installed in the bar, Swiss news outlet 20 Minutes reported. Fire expert Markus Knorr explained: “If they are not fireproof, they burn quickly and drip flaming material.
“Because they are installed horizontally on the ceiling, the fire spreads extremely fast.” The devastating fire tore through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations, leaving 40 people dead and 119 injured, most of whom were left severely injured.
Of the injured victims, 113 people have been identified. The victims include 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French, 11 Italians, 4 Serbians, 1 Bosnian, 1 Belgian, 1 Luxembourger, 1 Pole, and 1 Portuguese.
The nationality of 14 people has yet to be determined. Nevertheless, a student from an English college has been identified.
Charlotte Niddam, a former student of Immanuel College in Hertfordshire, has been reported among the numerous people who are still missing. While it is known that she previously attended the British school, her nationality is unclear, the Daily Star previously reported.
An investigation has been launched to clarify the circumstances of the tragedy. According to initial findings and witness statements, the fire triggered an explosion and a rapid spread of flames throughout the nightclub, which was hosting a party to ring the new year.
Pyrotechnic candles may have been the cause of the deadly blaze, Swiss media RTS reported. Horror unfolded in the early hours of New Year’s Day as a catastrophic blaze ripped through Le Constellation bar in the glitzy Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana.
The inferno turned the packed club into a death trap within seconds, forcing desperate partygoers, many of them teenagers, to smash windows and scramble for the single exit as flames engulfed the building. With victims from across Europe and dozens suffering life-threatening burns, Swiss authorities have launched a major investigation into safety failings, while a five-day national mourning period has been declared.
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