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2nd January 2026
10:39am GMT
A number of footballers, including a youth player for French Ligue 1 side FC Metz, were injured as a result of the tragic New Year's Day fire in Switzerland.
The Alpine Ski resort of Crans-Montana was struck by tragedy on New Year's Eve after a fire broke out in a tourist bar that is reported to have claimed the lives of 40 people while injuring more than 100 others, per the BBC.
Amongst the injured are a number of footballers, the highest profile of which is Tahirys Dos Santos, who had to be airlifted to hospital after reportedly suffering "severe burns."
A youth player for Italian side Pescara, Eliot Thelen also sustained minor burns, as reported in The Luxembourg Times, as well as "several" young players for Swiss side FC Lutry.
Dos Santos' club FC Metz released a statement on social media confirming his situation.
It reads: “FC Metz is deeply saddened to announce that Tahirys Dos Santos, a youth player for the club originally from Mont-Saint-Martin, was injured in the fire that occurred in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve.
“Severely burned, the 19-year-old was airlifted to Germany, where he is currently receiving treatment.
“Deeply affected by this news, the club’s management, players, coaches, and staff are in shock and extend their heartfelt condolences to Tahirys during this difficult time as he battles his illness.
“The club also wishes to offer its full support to his family and is working with medical authorities to arrange for Tahirys’ transfer to Mercy Hospital, near his home.
“Updates on Tahirys’ condition will be provided should there be any significant changes. In the meantime, FC Metz asks everyone to respect the privacy of Tahirys and his family.”
The full-back mainly features for Metz's second side in the French fifth tier, but was recently named on the bench for one of the first team's Coupe de France fixtures.
Another of the injured footballers, Eliot Thelen, is the son of the Luxembourg’s Chamber of Commerce director, and has been reported to be a close friend of Dos Santos.'
Further updates regarding the health of the injured players are expected in due course.
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