Tahirys Dos Santos, a 19-year-old youth player for FC Metz, has opened up for the first time about the devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, where he suffered significant injuries.
In an interview with Paris Match, and as reported by L’Équipe, Dos Santos recounted the terrifying moments at the Constellation bar, where 41 people lost their lives and 115 were injured.
Advertisement
“We arrived around 12:30-1:00am because Coline [Dos Santos’ girlfriend] needed to use the restroom. As I approached the first floor, I saw the fire. It happened so fast—I didn’t think twice. I ran back to get Coline, and we hurried to the stairs. After that, everything went blank,” he shared.
Dos Santos remembered the chaos: “There were screams everywhere. People were panicking. I couldn’t tell if my friends were okay. I called out for them, but there was no answer.” He was later found by a friend named Amandine, who helped him reach a safe area with the injured: “She basically saved my life. She comforted me, and I was quickly taken to an ambulance. I couldn’t feel my back.”
Dos Santos suffered burns covering 30 percent of his body, affecting his back, the back of his head, arms, hands, and face. He underwent one operation, while Coline only emerged from a coma this week after having three procedures. The couple reunited on January 28, and Dos Santos expressed relief: “Seeing her felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.”
The talented left-sided defender, recognized at FC Metz for his positive demeanor and leadership skills, made one appearance in the first team this season for a Coupe de France match, although he did not play. While a return to football is not currently a priority for Dos Santos, he stated, “I am just grateful to be alive. That’s what matters most. I’ll focus on my fitness later. Right now, my main goal is to recover fully.”