A brave student shared his account of going back and forth inside the burning Le Constellation bar in a courageous attempt to save lives. Ferdinand Du Beaudiez, a 19-year-old student at Munich University, was inside the nightclub with his brother and girlfriend when the fire erupted on New Year’s Eve. Recalling the harrowing experience, Ferdinand described trying to extinguish the fire with water before witnessing chaotic scenes similar to a war zone.
He witnessed champagne bottles catching fire and the roof igniting due to isolating foam, prompting him to take action. Despite his efforts with water, the fire quickly spread. Ferdinand then rushed to rescue his girlfriend, leading her upstairs amid the chaos. As the fire intensified, he described the moment the blaze turned into a fireball, causing him to struggle to breathe.
In a desperate attempt to save lives, Ferdinand re-entered the bar to rescue a person, emphasizing the challenging conditions due to smoke inhalation. Amid the chaos, he managed to locate his girlfriend and brother’s friends, who were severely burned. The tragic incident unfolded like a war scene, with Ferdinand witnessing the devastation and helping injured individuals outside the bar.
Following the tragic event, Swiss authorities are investigating the cause of the fire that claimed approximately 40 lives and injured 115 people during the New Year celebration. Ferdinand’s bravery and selflessness in the face of danger are commendable, with his thoughts now focused on his brother’s recovery and the well-being of his friends.
As the community mourns the loss of lives, tributes in the form of candles and flowers have been left near the Constellation bar, while prayers are offered for the victims at the Church of Montana-Station. Ferdinand’s courage and resilience during the tragic incident serve as a testament to the human spirit in times of adversity.