Inside the ‘playground for super rich’ Swiss resort where 40 died in horror fire

The blaze broke out in the basement of the Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year’s Day

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, an explosion and subsequent fire broke out at a packed bar in a Swiss ski resort killing “at least 40” and injuring around 100 others.

Social media footage shows massive clouds of smoke filling the sky following the incident, which occurred at 01.30am local time. The fire erupted at the popular Le Constellation bar in the municipality of Crans-Montana, a reportedly wealthy area which many major celebrities have frequented over the years. Le Constellation has been described as “an institution” of the city and is understood to be a watering hole for affluent folks over the years.

James Bond star Sir Roger Moore bought a chalet in 1996 and lived there until his death in 2017, becoming a local fixture. Sophia Loren was a frequent visitor to Crans-Montana, often maintaining a suite at the Palace Hotel. Vicky Safra, Greek-born billionaire and philanthropist, wealthiest Brazilian and member of the Safra family, also used to live in the municipality.

Late rocker David Bowie also reportedly resided there. Other stars who have frequented the area include renowned French chef Michael Roux who lived there from 2008.

Back in the 1920s, acclaimed New Zealand author Katherine Mansfield took up residence, while Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was a ski rep in her youth and reportedly travels back often.

Actors Alain Delon and George Clooney, and singer Justin Timerblake are also among the stars drawn to the resort’s privacy.

Images reveal the intimate interior of the welcoming venue, featuring shisha pipes arranged across tables and television screens mounted along the walls.

The atmosphere was dimly lit, with comfortable sofas scattered throughout the space and numerous beers available on draught.

Officials reported that the sheer number of casualties meant the intensive care ward and surgical theatre at the local hospital rapidly reached maximum capacity.

Emergency helicopters and ambulances raced to the location to help victims, including individuals from various nations, according to authorities.

The local council had put a ban on New Year’s Eve fireworks due to a lack of rainfall over the past month, as stated on its website. Amidst a region bustling with tourists hitting the ski slopes, authorities have urged locals to exercise caution in the coming days to prevent any accidents that could strain the already stretched medical resources.

Of the hundred or so injured, most of them are in a ‘serious’ condition. Police do not believe it was a terrorist incident with Italian foreign ministry saying 40 are dead.

Medical sources have said that hospitals are “overwhelmed” with burn victims following the incident. The explosion occurred in the basement of the bar at around 01:30am. The basement of the bar reportedly had only one escape and access route.

“There were sparklers on all tables in the Constellation, and people were celebrating the new year,’ said an emergency services spokesman, referring to the hugely popular venue, which had around 400 people inside.

“Suddenly a fire broke out, and people tried to get out of the confined space, causing chaos.”

The community is in the heart of the Swiss Alps, just 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the Matterhorn, one of the most famous Alpine peaks, and 130 kilometers (81 miles) south of Zurich.

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