More than a month after the devastating fire that tore through a bar in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve, medical authorities are emphasizing a sobering reality: for many of the injured, the emergency is far from over. A total of 116 people were wounded in the blaze, and while most survived the initial chaos of smoke, flames, and evacuation, doctors say a significant number remain in what they describe as a fragile and medically delicate phase. The fire may have been extinguished within hours, but its consequences are unfolding slowly inside hospital wards across Switzerland.
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, victims were transported to multiple Swiss hospitals, some within minutes of escaping the burning building. Emergency teams worked under extreme pressure, treating burns, stabilizing airways, and administering oxygen to those suffering from smoke inhalation. In those critical first hours, speed saved lives. Yet medical professionals caution that injuries caused by fire are rarely confined to what is visible in the moment. Damage to lungs, airways, and internal tissues can progress over time, turning an initially stable condition into a life-threatening one days or even weeks later.
Doctors treating the injured explain that smoke inhalation remains one of the most dangerous aspects of such disasters. Toxic fumes can inflame lung tissue, restrict oxygen flow, and trigger delayed respiratory failure. Some victims who were able to leave the hospital shortly after the fire have since returned with complications, while others remain hospitalized under close observation. Burn injuries also require prolonged care, with risks of infection, fluid imbalance, and the need for repeated surgical interventions. According to medical staff, recovery in these cases is unpredictable, marked by progress one day and setbacks the next.
Several patients are still being treated in intensive care units, relying on respiratory support and constant monitoring. Others have been transferred to specialized burn centers, where long-term treatment plans include skin grafts, physical rehabilitation, and pain management. Even patients who are no longer in immediate danger face months of recovery and uncertainty. Doctors stress that survival does not equate to recovery, and that the human body often reveals the full extent of fire-related trauma only after time has passed.
Beyond physical injuries, the psychological toll on survivors is becoming increasingly evident. Many victims experienced extreme panic, disorientation, and fear as they attempted to escape the fire in a crowded, smoke-filled space. Mental health professionals working with patients report symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress. Hospitals have incorporated psychological support into treatment plans, recognizing that emotional trauma can slow physical healing if left unaddressed.
The scale of the injuries has placed ongoing strain on the Swiss healthcare system. Treating over a hundred fire victims requires coordination across multiple institutions, as well as sustained allocation of resources weeks after the event. Medical authorities note that while Switzerland’s emergency response capacity proved effective, the long-term demands of such a disaster reveal how quickly healthcare systems can be stretched. Burn units, respiratory specialists, physiotherapists, and mental health teams continue to work together to support the injured.
Officials remain cautious in sharing details about individual cases, citing patient privacy. However, the consistent message from hospitals is that many victims are still fighting. Some face permanent scarring or reduced lung capacity, while others confront an uncertain prognosis that will only become clearer with time. Doctors warn that even small improvements must be interpreted carefully, as complications can arise suddenly.
As investigations into the cause of the Crans-Montana fire continue, medical experts urge the public not to equate the end of the blaze with the end of its impact. For the 116 injured, New Year’s Eve was not a single traumatic moment but the beginning of a prolonged medical and emotional journey. Families remain on edge, balancing hope with fear as they wait for updates from doctors.
Health authorities emphasize that patience and long-term support will be crucial. Recovery from burns and inhalation injuries often spans months or years, requiring not only medical treatment but also rehabilitation and psychological care. The phrase “still in a critical phase” reflects this reality. It does not signal inevitable decline, but it underscores how narrow the margin between progress and danger remains for many patients.
As the community continues to mourn those who lost their lives, attention is increasingly shifting to those who survived but remain deeply affected. Their stories are unfolding quietly, away from headlines, inside hospital rooms and recovery centers. For them, the fire did not end when the flames were extinguished. It continues in every breath, every treatment, and every uncertain step toward healing.
