A young man from Serbia who survived a deadly fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana on New Year’s night said the blaze spread within seconds, leaving little time for people inside to react.
Meldin Mehmedović, from the city of Novi Pazar, was among those present when the fire broke out at a hospitality venue during New Year celebrations. He suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene before being released, local media reported.
Speaking to Swiss television, Mehmedović said the atmosphere in the bar had been festive moments before the incident.
“People were laughing, dancing and celebrating,” he said. “At one point, staff were carrying champagne bottles with sparklers. One bottle was lifted too high and the flame reached the ceiling. Everything caught fire almost instantly.”
He said the fire spread rapidly following what he described as a strong deflagration, forcing people to flee.
“I didn’t even see how it started. I just bent down and felt the heat coming toward my face,” he said.
According to preliminary findings cited by local media, the ceiling contained foam-based soundproofing panels that may have been highly flammable, contributing to the speed at which the fire spread.
Swiss authorities have confirmed that several people were killed and injured in the incident, including foreign nationals, and that an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Emergency services responded quickly, but officials said the speed of the blaze posed major challenges. Authorities have announced inspections of safety standards at venues used for large gatherings.
“This is something you don’t forget,” Mehmedović said. “Everything happened in a matter of seconds. I’m grateful to be alive.”
Swiss prosecutors have not yet released final conclusions on the cause of the fire.