'A lot of people were screaming... it was horrible': Witness describes moments after fire broke out

Key Concepts

• Constellation Bar/Katana Resort: The location of the incident, a popular resort attracting international visitors.
• Mass Casualty Event: The fire resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
• Emergency Response: The arrival and actions of police, ambulance, and other emergency services.
• Exit Obstruction: Blocked or inadequate exits hindered escape efforts.
• Witness Account: A firsthand perspective of the immediate aftermath of the fire.
• New Year's Eve Context: The event occurred during a celebration, amplifying the shock and sadness.

Witness Account of the Constellation Bar Fire – Samuel’s Testimony

This account details the observations of Samuel, a witness to the fire and subsequent chaos at the Constellation bar within the Katana resort following an explosion. The interview focuses on his immediate reactions, observations of the scene, and perceptions of the emergency response.

Initial Observations & The Scene of the Fire

Samuel was initially at a restaurant adjacent to the Constellation bar when he heard about an explosion and reports of two initial fatalities. He went to investigate and witnessed a fire raging inside the bar, accompanied by widespread panic and screaming. He described the scene as “bit horrible.” He specifically noted people attempting to escape through the main entrance, but it was severely congested, with individuals “walking on everybody” in their desperate attempts to flee. He observed numerous people on the floor, some covered with jackets, whom he believed to be deceased. Emergency services – police and ambulances – were already present at the scene.

The Condition of Victims & International Presence

Samuel recounted seeing victims with severe burns, some having lost their hair and others being partially unclothed due to the fire. He stated, “people a lot of people were screaming trying to escape and I saw a lot of people on the floor uh and I think these people was dead because uh someone put jackets on the face so it was a bit horrible.” He confirmed the resort’s popularity with international tourists, specifically mentioning visitors from England, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. He expressed particular sorrow regarding the age of the victims, noting they were between 16 and 18 years old, stating, “It’s horrible.”

Exit Issues & Emergency Response Perception

When questioned about the speed of staff assistance, Samuel stated he was unsure as he didn’t observe any staff actively helping people evacuate. He acknowledged the presence of escape routes – two in front of the restroom and constellation – but described them as “little escape[s],” implying they were insufficient for the volume of people attempting to evacuate. He reiterated that the exits were difficult to navigate due to people being on the floor, creating obstacles. He was instructed by police to remain at a distance and not attempt to assist, stating, “the cops was there and there’s said, 'Yeah, you can he can come and just stay stay far from here.'"

Post-Evacuation & Emergency Services Presence

After leaving the bar and returning to the nearby restaurant, Samuel observed a significant emergency response, including numerous ambulances, police vehicles, and helicopters. He described the response as “amazing” and indicative of the severity of the situation. He noted the large number of emergency personnel arriving on the scene.

Reflections on the Tragedy & Disrupted Celebration

Samuel expressed shock and sadness that such a tragedy occurred on New Year’s Eve, a time typically associated with celebration. He stated, “Nobody was thinking it could happen at the New Year's Eve. It's it's horrible, you know.” He observed that the atmosphere around the resort shifted dramatically, with people abandoning parties and restaurants to witness the aftermath, resulting in a widespread sense of sadness. He described the scene as everyone “stopped partying.”

Logical Connections

The interview follows a chronological order, beginning with Samuel’s initial awareness of the incident, progressing through his observations of the scene, his perceptions of the emergency response, and concluding with his emotional reflections. The questions build upon each other, prompting Samuel to provide increasingly detailed accounts of his experience. The discussion of exit routes logically connects to the difficulties people faced during evacuation.

Data & Statistics

While no precise figures are provided, the interview highlights the scale of the tragedy through descriptions of numerous casualties and the large-scale emergency response. The age range of the victims (16-18) is specifically mentioned.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Samuel’s testimony provides a harrowing firsthand account of the immediate aftermath of the fire at the Constellation bar. His observations underscore the chaotic and desperate conditions faced by those attempting to escape, the severity of the injuries sustained, and the profound shock experienced by witnesses and the wider community. The account highlights potential issues with exit capacity and the importance of a swift and coordinated emergency response. The tragedy’s occurrence during a New Year’s Eve celebration amplifies the sense of loss and devastation.