FC Metz talent Tahiris dos Santos was injured in the massive fire that broke out in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Day, killing 47 people. The 19-year-old is believed to have been celebrating the New Year at Le Constellation Bar in the Swiss ski resort when the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning.
According to reports, the substitute was flown to Germany for treatment for burns. His club subsequently released an official statement on their website. FC Metz wrote: “FC Metz is with great regret to announce that the club’s youth player Tahiris dos Santos, originally from Mont-Saint-Martin, was injured in a fire that broke out in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve.”
“The 19-year-old player, who suffered severe burns, was airlifted to Germany and is currently receiving treatment. The club’s management, players, coaches and staff are deeply shocked by this news and extend our deepest sympathies to Tahiris at this difficult time in his illness.”
“The club also wishes to offer its full support to his family and is working with the medical authorities to arrange for Tahiris’ transfer to Mercy Hospital, close to his home. Updates on Tahiris’ condition will be provided in the event of any significant changes. In the meantime, FC Metz asks everyone to respect the privacy of Tahiris and his family.”
At least 47 people died in the Crans-Montana fire, believed to have been started by a sparkler inside a champagne bottle. Bar owners are reportedly “completely shocked” and distraught family members are searching the scene and continuing to frantically search for missing relatives.
Images on social media showed parts of the ceiling on fire, and there were reports that a sparkler had come into contact with the bar’s roofing material. The inferno then quickly engulfed the site, which underwent renovations in 2015.
Multiple witnesses described how the bar was engulfed in flames within seconds, with panicked patrons rushing toward the narrow exit. In addition to the 47 people who were confirmed dead, about 115 people were injured. Most of them were young people in their teens to mid-20s.
Officials described the incident as a “generalization.” This is a French firefighting term that refers to the way a fire causes the release of flammable gases that ignite violently, causing what firefighters in English-speaking countries call a flashover or backdraft. The victims suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation, and some were airlifted to specialized facilities across Switzerland.
Officials also advised the public to exercise caution in the coming days to prevent incidents that could further strain already overburdened hospitals. King Charles III has expressed his deep sadness after a devastating fire at a Swiss resort.
In a message to the Swiss president, the British monarch expressed his shock and sadness at the tragedy. He said: “My wife and I were stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating fire that occurred last night in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
“It is absolutely heartbreaking that a night of celebration for young people and families turned into such a nightmarish tragedy. While we pay tribute to the heroic first responders and selfless emergency services, we above all wanted to convey our deepest sympathies to all those who have been so badly affected by this terrible disaster.”
“Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of all those who tragically lost their lives, and those who remain in critical condition in hospital.”
