It was a nightmarish scene that played out in a bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve. While hundreds of young people had gathered to party, a major fire broke out in the basement, killing around forty people. If the establishment truly seemed to lack emergency exits, how do you react when you are engulfed in flames? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor, shares with us some evacuation instructions.
More than a hundred people were injured by this deadly fire
This Thursday, fear and amazement invaded the streets of the small village of Crans-Montana. A terrible fire ravaged the “Le Constellation” bar, killing around forty people and injuring 115 others, according to the latest report from local authorities.
“We have counted around forty people dead and around 115 injured, most seriously”confirmed Thursday the Valais police commander, Frédéric Gisler, during a press conference in Sion.
On RTL, the head of the security department of the canton of Valais, Stéphane Ganzer, estimated that this provisional assessment could get even worse. Indeed, “between 80 and 100 injured“are still”in absolute emergency“, he confesses.
“The assessment is progressive since we know that people who are injured, when they have approximately 15% of the surface of the body burned to the 3rd degree, there is a risk in the hours and days that follow of death, since septicemia can spread to the entire body.“, he emphasizes.
The fire also injured nine French nationals and eight are still missing.
Bengal fires involved
If the fire in the “Le Constellation” bar turned out to be so deadly, it is above all because of its ultra-flammable materials. It would in fact be entirely covered in wood. But the place also does not appear to comply with standards: only one door allowed revelers to escape the blaze.
“I spent a new year in Crans-Montana and this bar is
actually designed entirely in wood. What surprises me for a country like Switzerland, which sticks to security rules, is that this place has a capacity of 400 people and only has one exit door… it’s very shocking.”
tells us a French woman living in Geneva.
In detail, Bengal fires placed on bottles of champagne would have set the ceiling ablaze, triggering a sudden and uncontrollable fire.
“The preferred path today is that of a widespread conflagration which caused an explosion,” confirms Béatrice Pilloud, the attorney general of the canton of Valais.
Fatal fire: what reflexes to adopt?
When a fire spreads quickly and is accompanied by crowd movements, prioritize your safety: “Evacuate calmly without panicking, stay close to the ground to avoid toxic smoke and follow evacuation instructions. advises Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical. These reflexes, detailed below, can really save your life.
Alert immediately
“Activate the nearest fire alarm and call emergency services on 18 or 112, indicating the precise address, the location of the fire and the number of people present. This allows rapid intervention by the firefighters. Do not waste time recovering personal objects or turning around. The smoke kills in a few seconds”, warns the doctor.
Evacuate safely
“Head to the fire escapes without using the elevator, close doors behind you to slow the spread, and crawl if the smoke is dense because the air is more breathable. Help vulnerable people without exposing yourself to danger,” recommends the medical expert.
Manage the crowd
“Keep calm to avoid stampedes: move forward in single file, follow the exit signs and the instructions of those in charge. Once outside, go to the designated assembly point and report those who are absent to the emergency services,”
still recommends Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
If evacuation is impossible
“Caulk doors and cracks with damp cloths, wet clothing to protect skin, and report your position to a window not exposed to fire while waiting for the firefighters. Never jump from a window,” further advises the medical director of True Medical.
“Also think about Systematically locate the nearest emergency exits and fire extinguishers as soon as you arrive in a public or professional place, and familiarize yourself with their use. Avoid using candles, matches or open flames near flammable materials, do not overload electrical outlets and never leave devices charging unattended. Finally, adopt a vigilant attitude such as putting out your cigarettes completely.” concludes the emergency doctor.
Dr Gérald Kierzek also validates the words of Dr Le Flohic, general practitioner: “We do not gather party-goers in a cellar with no escape route filled with flammable materials; we can only hope for a moratorium with the immediate closure and bringing all these places into compliance.”
This drama recalls a brutal reality: during a fire, it is not the flames but the smoke and panic that kill the quickest. Knowing how to alert, evacuate without haste and take the right actions can save lives. Identifying emergency exits, remaining vigilant in festive places and refusing any unnecessary risk taking remains, more than ever, a question of collective survival.