Search teams investigating the deadly Swiss bar fire have made a significant discovery that could reshape understanding of the tragedy. Authorities confirmed that the phone believed to belong to the first victim has been recovered, and it contains a 40-second video recorded during the earliest moments of the inferno.

Investigators say the footage captures the chaos as the fire erupted — providing a rare, firsthand look into how quickly the situation spiraled out of control.

A Critical Discovery at the Scene

The phone was located during a targeted search operation focused on areas previously inaccessible due to structural damage and debris. Officials say the device was found near where investigators believe the first victim collapsed.

Despite exposure to heat and smoke, the phone remained intact enough for forensic specialists to retrieve data. What they found immediately raised alarms.

The final video, lasting approximately 40 seconds, appears to have been recorded unintentionally — possibly while the victim attempted to call for help or document the unfolding emergency.

Inside the Final 40 Seconds

According to sources familiar with the footage, the video shows dim lighting, thick smoke rapidly filling the space, and flashes of flame spreading across interior surfaces. Voices can be heard shouting warnings, calling names, and urging others to move.

Within seconds, visibility deteriorates. Exit signs appear briefly before vanishing behind smoke. The sound of coughing and panic intensifies.

Investigators say the recording ends abruptly, suggesting the victim was quickly overwhelmed by smoke inhalation.

Why the Footage Matters

Authorities believe the video may provide critical answers to long-standing questions surrounding the fire. Early reports suggested the blaze spread faster than expected, but until now, investigators lacked clear visual evidence from inside the bar during the initial moments.

The footage could help experts determine how the fire originated, how it moved through the space, and why evacuation became so difficult.

Fire safety specialists are analyzing flame behavior, smoke patterns, and crowd movement visible in the video.

The First Victim and the Timeline

Identifying the first victim has been a key element of the investigation. Establishing when and where the earliest collapse occurred helps authorities reconstruct the sequence of events and evaluate whether safety measures functioned as intended.

Officials believe the phone’s location and timestamp may narrow down the moment the fire became unsurvivable.

The device’s data is now being cross-referenced with emergency call logs, alarm systems, and witness accounts.

Investigators Proceed with Caution

Authorities emphasize that the footage is being handled with extreme care out of respect for the victims and their families. The video will not be publicly released in full, but select details may be referenced in official findings.

“This is not just evidence,” one official said privately. “It’s someone’s final moments.”

What the Video Reveals About Safety Failures

Preliminary analysis suggests exits may have been obstructed or quickly rendered unusable by smoke. In the video, some individuals appear disoriented, possibly unaware of alternative escape routes.

Investigators are examining whether crowd density, interior design, or flammable materials contributed to the rapid escalation.

The footage is also being reviewed to assess whether emergency lighting and alarms activated properly.

Families Await Answers

For families of the victims, the discovery brings mixed emotions — hope for clarity alongside renewed grief.

Some relatives have expressed that while the video is painful, it may finally explain why their loved ones were unable to escape.

Counseling services have been made available to families as authorities prepare to share findings.

The Investigation’s Next Phase

With the phone recovered, investigators say the case has entered a new phase. Digital evidence will now play a central role alongside forensic and structural analyses.

Officials are expected to release an updated timeline once the footage has been fully examined.

While no conclusions have yet been announced, authorities acknowledge that the final 40 seconds captured on the phone may become one of the most important pieces of evidence in the case.

Remembering the Victims

As the investigation continues, memorials remain in place near the site of the fire. Candles, photographs, and handwritten notes line the area — silent reminders of lives lost in moments.

For investigators, the phone represents more than data. It is a voice from inside the flames, offering insight into a tragedy that shocked a nation.

And for families, it may finally bring the answers they have been waiting for.