On the night of December 18-19, 2024, the iconic Copacabana nightclub located on Rue Buffon in Beaune was engulfed in flames, prompting a massive emergency response from local firefighters. At around 2:30 AM, the Côte-d'Or firefighting service received numerous calls reporting the fire. By the time the fire crews arrived, flames had already gutted the nightclub's roof, resulting in significant structural damage.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported since the nightclub was closed at the time of the incident. A total of 34 firefighters from multiple local stations, including Beaune and Dijon, were mobilized to tackle the blaze. They utilized four hoses to extinguish the fire, with operations coordinated from both ground and aerial units.
Christophe Dombek, the head of the Beaune emergency services, provided updates on the situation. He stated, "The fire is extinguished, and we no longer have any hot spots or smoke coming from the building. When the firefighters arrived, the structure was almost completely ablaze. We conducted the firefighting from the outside due to the risk of structural collapse and ensured no personnel were exposed to falling debris." By 9:15 AM, the operation was deemed complete, allowing investigators to begin assessing the damage.
The nightclub's owner, Mohamed Louizi, expressed deep sorrow upon arriving at the scene. He revealed, "I was called by the police in the middle of the night, and when I arrived, flames were shooting from the roof. It breaks my heart; this was a venue we had renovated back in March 2024, we were doing extremely well. Young people came from afar, and former patrons were starting to return. We were gearing up for Christmas and New Year's festivities, the place was beautifully decorated. Now, it's all reduced to ashes. We've hit rock bottom; everything has to be rebuilt. But we're insured, and we won't give up. We've welcomed the public for 18 years, and there’s no reason to back down. We’re determined and hopeful for the future."
Louizi also stressed the employment impact, noting, "The Copacabana employed seventeen people, including security, waitstaff, and maintenance. This incident puts them all on temporary unemployment."
Reflecting on the nightclub's long-standing legacy, Bernard Salva, former owner of Copacabana, conveyed his distress over the tragic event. "Even though I sold the club to my former assistant, I am still here to support him. I feel such immense sadness; this is the end of everything we’ve worked for. After 44 years of being part of the nightlife scene here in Beaune, I've never encountered anything like this. We don’t understand why this happened. The cameras show it wasn’t accidental, but I can’t disclose more. An investigation is underway, and thankfully no one was injured. I think about all the young people enjoying themselves; it was the only venue left operating fully on weekends."
The local police have cordoned off the area with red-and-white tape, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. According to local authorities, the fire has sparked investigations, and the cause remains undetermined. "It's too early to favor one hypothesis over the others. All possibilities are being considered, and with technical and scientific experts from Dijon arriving, examinations will continue throughout the day," said the local police department.
While the community reels from the loss of such a popular nightlife destination, the focus now shifts to sorrow and solidarity. Many locals have rallied to express their condolences to Louizi and his team, highlighting the significance of the Copacabana as more than just a nightclub—it was a hub for gatherings, celebrations, and cherished memories. The prompt investigation and quick response efforts reflect the community’s resilience as they cope with this tragedy, hoping for the revival of their beloved establishment.
