Daris Gegic was 22 years old when flames tore through a New Year’s celebration in Crans-Montana, transforming what should have been a night of celebration into a fight for survival. Today, he is speaking publicly about the harrowing hours that left him gravely injured, in a coma for more than two weeks, and ultimately hospitalized in Germany.

“My first reflex was to call my mother,” Gegic recalled. “I told her, ‘Mom, I’m in the fire. I’m going to die.’ She answered, ‘No my son, you are not going to die.’”

The words, he says, remain etched in his memory.

The fire erupted during New Year’s festivities, sending panic through the building as smoke and flames spread rapidly. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people attempted to escape through corridors filling with thick smoke. Emergency responders rushed to the site as alarms sounded and confusion mounted.

Gegic remembers feeling trapped. As conditions worsened, he made what he believed might be his final call. “I started to pray,” he said. “I thought that was it.”

According to his account, he eventually found himself outside — barefoot. In the struggle to escape, he said people inside were pulling at his legs as they tried to maneuver through the smoke-filled space. To move forward, he removed his shoes.

“I found myself outside, barefoot,” he said. “People inside were pulling my legs. So I took off my shoes to be able to move.”

The injuries he sustained were severe. Following the incident, Gegic was placed in a medically induced coma as doctors worked to stabilize his condition. He would remain unconscious for 16 days.

When he finally woke, he was no longer in Switzerland but in a hospital in Germany, where specialized treatment was being provided.

Medical professionals treating burn victims often emphasize the complexity of recovery. Severe burns can affect not only the skin but also respiratory function, particularly in cases involving heavy smoke inhalation. Long-term rehabilitation frequently involves multiple procedures and psychological support.

Gegic has acknowledged that anger has been part of his recovery. “I may be angry,” he said. “But what happened happened, and I managed to survive.”

Survivors of traumatic fires often face emotional challenges alongside physical healing. Mental health experts note that reliving the event through memories or video footage can be both distressing and, in some cases, part of processing trauma.

Gegic admits he watches videos of the fire daily. “I look at them and tell myself: I still got out of that thing.”

Investigations into the cause of the Crans-Montana fire remain ongoing. Authorities have not released final conclusions regarding what triggered the blaze. Safety protocols, building infrastructure, and emergency response timelines are typically reviewed in such cases.

New Year’s Eve events can present heightened fire risks due to overcrowding, decorations, and celebratory effects. Fire safety experts stress the importance of clear exits, functional alarm systems, and adherence to occupancy regulations.

For Gegic, however, the focus has shifted from investigation to recovery. After weeks in intensive care and gradual rehabilitation, he now speaks about wanting to fully embrace life.

Despite lingering anger and unanswered questions, he has expressed determination not to let the tragedy define him. “I survived,” he said simply.

Survival stories emerging from major fires often highlight both the fragility and resilience of human life. Medical advances in burn treatment have improved survival rates in recent decades, but recovery remains physically and emotionally demanding.

Gegic’s case illustrates the unpredictable nature of such disasters. What began as a celebration ended in life-altering trauma.

Yet his account also underscores the role of instinct and connection. His first action was to reach out to his mother. Her response, he says, gave him strength in a moment when he believed hope was gone.

As he continues rehabilitation, Gegic says he wants to move forward rather than remain defined by the night of the fire.

“I’m still here,” he said. “That’s what matters.”