"The bar was in complete chaos at the time," Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old from Paris, recounted today, describing the explosion and fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana the previous day.

Clavier was one of the survivors of the incident. A friend of his died, while two or three others remain missing.

Clavier did not see the explosion itself, but he witnessed staff bringing out champagne bottles with sparklers attached. He began to suffocate and initially hid behind a table before running upstairs and attempting to smash a mica window with a table. The window broke free from its frame, enabling his escape.

People place candles and flowers near the bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland on 1/1. Photo: AFP

He lost his jacket, shoes, phone, and bank card during his escape. "They are just material possessions. I survived, but I'm truly shaken," Clavier stated.

One man described people smashing window panes to escape the fire, with many sustaining serious injuries. Panicked parents rushed to the scene, desperate to know if their children were trapped inside.

This man also witnessed around 20 people jostling to escape the blaze, comparing the scene to a horror movie.

Samuel Rapp, a young man dining at a nearby restaurant, also recalled the horrific scene. "Many at the entrance struggled to get out. The place was packed, with everyone trampling each other in a desperate attempt to escape. Many people screamed as they tried to get out, and I saw many lying on the floor," Rapp shared.

He saw someone cover a victim's face with a jacket, and many people had burnt hair. "Some people were without clothes," he added.

When asked about those present at the bar during the explosion, Rapp said "people from all over the world came here," including British, Dutch, and Swiss citizens from across the country. "They were between 16 and 18 years old. It was horrifying," he added.

Sky News editor Jason Farrell, reporting from the scene, noted that those he spoke with were deeply traumatized by the tragedy. "It was a profound shock for Crans-Montana residents, with many still reeling from the events," Farrell explained.

Leon Christe, a local worker and one of the first to arrive at the scene, attempted to provide first aid to as many as possible. "The situation was chaotic and heartbreaking. Young people, some with burnt clothes, were everywhere, needing help. It was a terrifying experience," Christe said.

The bar in Switzerland caught fire after an explosion on 1/1. Video: X/@StrandenOSINT

The explosion leading to the fire occurred on the night of 31/12/2025, when over 100 people were gathered to celebrate New Year's Eve at Le Constellation bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana.

Swiss police reported dozens killed and around 100 injured, most seriously. Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with 16 citizens missing in the fire, cited Swiss police sources stating at least 40 deaths.

Swiss officials classified it as an accident, ruling out the possibility of an attack on the bar. Police have not yet determined the cause of the explosion, while local media suggested the fire may have originated from fireworks.

Huyen Le (According to Sky News, AP)