OTTAWA – Global Affairs Canada (GAC) confirmed today that there are currently no reports of Canadian citizens killed or injured following a catastrophic fire at a nightclub in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The blaze, which tore through the Le Constellation bar during New Year’s celebrations, has resulted in a massive loss of life and dozens of injuries.
Key Details of the Incident
- The Cause: Preliminary reports suggest the fire was sparked by pyrotechnics—specifically a sparkler on a champagne bottle—that ignited the venue’s wooden interior.
- The Timeline: The fire broke out at approximately 1:30 AM on January 1, leading to a rapid “flashover” that gave guests almost no time to escape.
- The Toll: Current estimates place the death toll at 47, with over 115 individuals injured. The victims were predominantly young adults and teenagers between 15 and 25 years old.
Official Responses
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims of this horrific tragedy in Crans-Montana,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. She confirmed that Canadian consular officials are maintaining constant communication with local Swiss authorities.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed his condolences, calling the event an “unimaginable loss.” Meanwhile, Swiss President Guy Parmelin has declared the incident one of the darkest moments in the country’s recent history.
Current Situation for Canadians
While no Canadians have been identified among the casualties so far, Swiss forensic teams are still working on the difficult task of identifying victims. GAC continues to monitor the situation closely.
For Canadians seeking emergency assistance in Switzerland:
- Phone: +1 613 996 8885 (Call collect where available)
- Email: sos@international.gc.ca
