A harrowing video has emerged capturing the catastrophic moments before a New Year's Eve fire at a Swiss ski resort bar claimed 47 lives. The footage reveals a critical delay as young revellers filmed the initial blaze instead of immediately fleeing the Le Constellation basement bar in Crans-Montana.
Eyewitness Account of the Inferno
The video was recorded by French economics student Ferdinand Du Beaudiez, 19. It shows flames rapidly consuming the ceiling's foam soundproofing panels, ignited by a sparkler waved by a waitress, while partygoers beneath continue singing and dancing, oblivious to the imminent danger. Ferdinand described attempting to douse the fire with water from a mini-fridge, but it was futile. "The fire had already spread on the whole roof," he said.
He recounted pushing his girlfriend towards the exit and shouting for others to get out, but became separated in the chaotic stampede on the stairs. A sudden influx of air from an opened door then fuelled the flames into a deadly fireball. "I felt this fireball over my head, it slightly burned my neck," Ferdinand told the Daily Mail. "At this moment the fire took all the breathable air and I couldn't breathe anymore."
A Hero's Desperate Return Into the Flames
After narrowly escaping, Ferdinand made the extraordinary and courageous decision to re-enter the burning building twice in a desperate bid to save his brother and girlfriend. Inside, he was met with scenes of horror and thick, choking smoke.
"I found a badly burned person lying on the stairs and couldn't even tell if it was a man or woman," he recalled. "Their clothes were burned, I could only make out teeth." He tried to drag the unconscious victim to safety before emergency services took over. His relentless search continued until he found his girlfriend in shock outside. His brother was later located in a coma in hospital but is expected to recover.
Investigation and Aftermath
The tragedy, which unfolded in the packed basement venue, is now the subject of a major investigation by Swiss authorities. The rapid spread of the fire, exacerbated by the highly flammable acoustic foam, left little chance for escape for many of the 47 victims. The incident has sent shockwaves through the close-knit Alpine community and the wider international skiing world, raising urgent questions about safety regulations in nightlife venues.
Ferdinand's testimony and the chilling video footage serve as a stark reminder of how quickly celebratory events can turn into catastrophe, and of the incredible bravery shown by ordinary individuals in the face of extreme peril.
