In the aftermath of the devastating fire in Crans-Montana, the focus has largely been on visible injuries — burns, scars, and physical trauma. But medical experts warn that for many survivors, the most serious damage is invisible and potentially life-threatening.

According to lung specialists, victims of the fire are now facing severe respiratory injuries caused by inhalation of toxic gases. These lung injuries, doctors say, can trigger a cascade of complications that may last months or even years.

Toxic Smoke and Invisible Damage

During the fire, victims were exposed not only to flames but also to dense smoke containing toxic gases. Inhaling these substances can cause immediate and long-term damage to lung tissue.

Lung specialist René Fiechter explains that damage to the lungs is particularly dangerous because it affects the body’s ability to absorb oxygen and protect itself from infection.

“The lung is not just a breathing organ,” he explains. “It is also a protective barrier. When that barrier is damaged, a chain reaction begins.”

A Cascade of Medical Complications

According to Fiechter, lung impairment caused by toxic gases sets off a cascade of further problems. Once the lungs are injured, oxygen exchange is reduced. This oxygen deficiency can strain other organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys.

At the same time, damaged lung tissue becomes highly vulnerable to bacterial invasion. This creates a high risk of so-called bacterial superinfections — secondary infections that can be aggressive and difficult to treat.

“These superinfections are especially dangerous,” Fiechter warns. “They can develop quickly and overwhelm an already weakened body.”

Why Superinfections Are So Dangerous

Bacterial superinfections occur when the body’s normal defenses are compromised. After smoke inhalation, the lungs lose their ability to clear bacteria effectively. Mucus accumulates, airways swell, and breathing becomes increasingly difficult.

In severe cases, patients may develop pneumonia or systemic infections that spread beyond the lungs. These infections can trigger respiratory failure and, in some cases, multi-organ failure.

Doctors stress that even patients who initially appear stable can deteriorate suddenly.

Long-Term Consequences for Survivors

For many Crans-Montana survivors, the danger did not end once the fire was extinguished. Lung damage may continue to worsen over time, especially if infections take hold.

Some patients may require prolonged oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, or repeated hospital admissions. Recovery, if possible, can take months or years.

Medical experts emphasize that young victims are not immune. Even healthy lungs can suffer permanent damage after exposure to toxic smoke.

Intensive Monitoring Required

Doctors say survivors must be closely monitored for signs of infection, breathing difficulties, and oxygen deprivation. Early detection is critical, but even prompt treatment does not guarantee recovery.

“Once the lungs are severely injured, treatment becomes extremely complex,” Fiechter notes. “We are not just treating one problem — we are managing a chain reaction throughout the body.”

Beyond the Visible Burns

Public attention often focuses on burn injuries because they are visible and immediate. But physicians stress that lung injuries can be more dangerous precisely because they are harder to detect.

Patients may appear outwardly improved while serious damage progresses internally. This hidden nature of lung injury makes follow-up care essential.

A Long and Uncertain Road

For survivors, the path forward is uncertain. Some may regain partial lung function. Others may live with chronic respiratory impairment for the rest of their lives.

Doctors caution that repeated infections can further weaken lung tissue, creating a cycle of illness that is difficult to break.

A Warning for the Future

The medical warnings emerging after Crans-Montana highlight the importance of understanding the full scope of fire-related injuries. Toxic smoke is not a secondary danger — it is often the most lethal element of a fire.

As survivors continue their fight, doctors emphasize that the real toll of the tragedy is still unfolding — not only in burn units, but in intensive care wards and respiratory clinics.

The fire may be over, but for many victims, the battle for breath has only just begun.