Swiss Politician Mathias Reynard Opens Up About Fire's Emotional Toll
Over a month after the devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Swiss politician Mathias Reynard has spoken openly about the emotional toll of the tragedy. In an interview with Blick, he described the sleepless nights, the agonising wait for news from loved ones, and the deep impact of meeting grieving families.
Reynard revealed he sought psychological support to process the shock of the fire, which killed 14 young people and injured 115 others. He stressed that asking for help after trauma should carry no stigma, urging others to do the same if needed.
The aftermath left him without sleep as he waited for updates from those caught in the blaze. Among the injured, 21 remained in hospital care nearly eight weeks later, including 12 minors in western Switzerland, eight in Zurich—two of them in paediatric intensive care—and nine in Suva rehabilitation clinics.
One of the hardest moments came when Reynard met with the families of victims. Their grief weighed heavily on him, though he found strength in delivering a speech at the memorial service that resonated across Switzerland.
In response to the disaster, Reynard and the government allocated ten million Swiss francs to an independent foundation supporting affected families. He emphasised the need for safer public spaces, insisting that people should never face life-threatening risks while enjoying a night out. While he avoided criticising the ongoing investigation, he highlighted Switzerland's principle of separation of powers.
Reflecting on media coverage, Reynard praised most journalists for handling the story with respect and dignity.
The fire at Le Constellation has left lasting scars, with survivors still receiving treatment and families mourning their losses. Reynard's call for psychological support and stricter safety measures underscores the long road ahead. The ten-million-franc fund aims to provide tangible help, but the emotional and physical recovery will take far longer.
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