Fresh video from the deadly Swiss ski resort bar fire shows a chilling detail: as flames crept across the ceiling, some young partygoers kept dancing—or filmed on their phones—losing precious seconds before they tried to escape.
The footage was recorded by 19-year-old French student Ferdinand Du Beaudiez inside Le Constellation in Crans-Montana. It captures a small fire taking hold overhead while music blares and the crowd appears unaware of the danger. Within moments, the blaze surges and turns into a fireball, filling the packed basement venue with heat and smoke.
Authorities said at least 40 people were killed and 119 were injured, many with severe third-degree burns. Swiss officials confirmed 40 deaths, while Italian authorities reported 47 fatalities. Most victims were reportedly in their teens and twenties. Investigators also said all but six of the injured have been formally identified, though burn injuries have made this difficult in some cases.
At a press conference, Valais Canton attorney general Beatrice Pilloud said sparklers in champagne bottles likely triggered the fire. Witnesses said a waitress was seen waving a lit sparkler beneath foam soundproofing on the ceiling shortly before it caught fire.
Du Beaudiez said he tried to put the flames out with water, but it spread too fast. He helped push his girlfriend toward the exit, then got separated in the crush. After escaping, he went back inside twice to look for his brother and girlfriend and to help pull people out. He later said his brother is in a coma but is expected to recover.