Swiss and Belgian Doctors Launch Charity for Burn Victims After Crans-Montana Tragedy.

Five months after the devastating Crans-Montana bar fire that claimed 41 lives and injured more than 100 people, Swiss and Belgian medical professionals have launched a new charity initiative aimed at supporting burn victims and advancing burn treatment research.

The organization, known as Initiative Phoenix, brings together a team of experienced surgeons and specialists from Switzerland and Belgium. The charity seeks to improve care for people suffering from severe burn injuries while promoting medical innovation and international collaboration among healthcare professionals.

Belgian plastic surgeon Dr. Johann Wary, who lives near the site of the tragedy and works at a nearby clinic, has been appointed president of the association. He explained that the project was inspired by the profound impact the disaster had on local communities and healthcare professionals involved in treating victims.

The association’s vice-president is former Michelin-starred chef Didier de Courten, who said the tragedy deeply affected those connected to the hospitality sector. He emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that help victims and their families rebuild their lives.

Initiative Phoenix is supported by a scientific committee comprising leading Swiss and Belgian surgeons, including specialists from Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV). The committee aims to encourage research, share expertise, and develop new treatment approaches for patients with severe burn injuries.

All medical experts involved in the project are volunteering their services. The association plans to provide guidance and support to victims and their families without financial interest. It also hopes to raise funds for research projects, scholarships for young plastic surgeons, and medical treatments not fully covered by insurance.

In addition, Initiative Phoenix plans to organize an annual international scientific symposium in Crans-Montana focused on burn injury treatment and recovery. The first conference could take place in early 2027.

The launch of Initiative Phoenix represents a significant step toward improving long-term support for burn victims while strengthening international cooperation in medical research and patient care.

Association for Burn Victims Founded After Crans-Montana Fire.

A new organisation called Initiative Phoenix has been founded in Switzerland to support victims of the devastating Crans-Montana fire disaster, which killed 41 people and left 115 injured.

The association was created five months after the tragedy and aims to improve medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support for burn victims. It focuses on promoting medical innovation in burn treatment and strengthening cooperation between international specialists.

Initiative Phoenix also plans to develop practical therapeutic guidelines for victims and their families. These recommendations will be created through collaboration between doctors and experts, allowing affected individuals to access structured medical and psychological support.

The organisation will further support humanitarian, scientific, and social initiatives related to severe accident recovery. A key goal is to improve coordination between medical institutions treating serious burn injuries across Switzerland and abroad.

The project was initiated by Belgian plastic surgeon Johann Wary, who resides in Crans-Montana. He is supported by a medical committee consisting of six Swiss and Belgian doctors, including specialists from CHUV Lausanne, one of Switzerland’s leading university hospitals.

The initiative reflects growing efforts to provide long-term care and structured recovery pathways for victims of large-scale disasters.