Police in Switzerland have released a previously unreleased 2-minute, 30-second security video from inside the bar devastated by last week’s deadly fire — and investigators say what happens from the 17-second mark onward is deeply haunting.
The footage, made public late Tuesday, was recovered from a damaged but intact security system inside the burned-out venue. Authorities say the video is being shared to appeal for witnesses and clarify the sequence of events, as public concern continues to grow.
What the video shows
According to officials familiar with the footage, the first moments appear ordinary: patrons standing near the bar, dim lighting, music playing in the background. But at exactly 17 seconds, something changes.
Viewers can be seen suddenly turning their heads toward the ceiling, while one person appears to point urgently toward a darkened corner of the room. Within seconds, a thin haze becomes visible, followed by frantic movement as people rush toward the exits.
In the most disturbing segment, several patrons appear to hesitate or turn back, seemingly confused about where to go, as visibility rapidly deteriorates. Investigators noted that the fire itself is not immediately visible, raising questions about how quickly smoke — rather than flames — overwhelmed the space.
“Seconds mattered”
A police spokesperson said the footage underscores how rapidly the situation escalated.
“From the moment the first signs of danger appear, the environment changes in seconds. This video shows how little time people had to react.”
Authorities declined to comment on whether alarm systems or emergency lighting were functioning at the time, saying those issues remain under investigation.
Public reaction and unanswered questions
Since its release, the video has spread rapidly online, with viewers calling the scenes “chilling,” “heart-stopping,” and “impossible to forget.” Many are now questioning:
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Why some patrons appeared unsure where to exit
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Whether smoke spread faster than expected
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If anything could have been done differently in those first moments
Officials stress that no conclusions should be drawn from the footage alone, and that forensic and fire-safety analyses are still ongoing.
Investigation ongoing
The cause of the blaze has not yet been officially confirmed, and police reiterated that the investigation remains open. The video is now being reviewed frame by frame by fire experts, engineers, and prosecutors.
As memorials continue to grow outside the charred building, the newly released footage has added a painful new layer to an already devastating tragedy — freezing in time the moment when a normal night out turned into chaos.
Authorities urge anyone who recognizes details in the video or was present that night to come forward, saying even the smallest detail could matter.