Paolo Campolo rushed to the scene to help rescue trapped revellers from the bar that was engulfed by flames at a New Year’s Eve celebration that injured over 100 and killed more than 40
A local man has been labelled a hero after rushing to the Swiss ski resort fire to help save those trapped inside. Paolo Campolo broke through an emergency door at Le Constellation, the nightclub that was engulfed by flames in the early hours of New Year’s Day in Crans-Montana.
Mr Campolo received a panicked phone call from his daughter who was outside the bar and went to the venue. It is thought that the actions of the 55-year-old father helped save many lives.
Over 40 are believed to be dead with over 100 injured as many are still looking for their loved ones since the incident. As many were trapped inside the analyst identified a side entrance to the crammed club and pushed it open to let out some of the trapped guests.
As a result of his heroic actions Mr Campolo is currently in hospital being treated for smoke inhalation. He spoke from his hospital bed to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero and said: “There were several bodies all around. Alive but burnt. Some conscious, others not. They were begging for help in several languages. They were very young.”
Many young people remain missing with friends and families making emotional appeals to help locate their loved ones. When asked about his experience, he recalls the looks of desperation from the youngsters. He said: “The looks. The lucid desperation of those who know they’re dying.
“Burned people looking at you and asking you not to leave them there. It’s something that never goes away.” The dead and injured are yet to be identified however it has been confirmed that among the injured are 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French and 11 Italians.
The owners of the popular bar Mr and Mrs Moretti have said they ‘cant sleep or eat’ following the tragedy as they stress that “everything had been done according to regulation”.
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