On the night of December 18 to December 19, 2023, the renowned Copacabana nightclub located on Rue Buffon, Beaune, Côte-d’Or, was ravaged by fire, destroying its roof and causing significant distress to the local community.
The Côte-d’Or firefighters received the emergency call at approximately 2:30 AM and acted swiftly to contain the blaze, which threatened to expand to other parts of the building. A substantial firefighting effort was mobilized, involving 34 firefighters utilizing specialized equipment, including fire trucks and two aerial ladders. Thanks to their rapid response, the spread of flames was halted, and no injuries or casualties were reported.
Fortunately, the nightclub was closed at the time of the incident, preventing any patrons or employees from facing harm. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigators are anticipated to initiate inquiries to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Mohamed Louizy, the nightclub's current owner, expressed his deep shock and concern over the situation. "It's a catastrophe; 17 people are unemployed now, and we had prepared everything for the holidays. Everything is ruined," he lamented. Louise took over the establishment from its previous owner, Bernard Salvat, just over a year ago. Salvat, reflecting on the devastation, stated, "I am shocked; this is part of my life destroyed. After 18 years, it's all abruptly ended. We will rebuild!"
Salvat added, "I had worked closely with Mohamed during the transition, and seeing the nightclub—a place where thousands gathered for joy—reduced to rubble is heartbreaking. We had so many plans for the future."
The damage inflicted on Copacabana is significant. With its roof completely caved in, the structure stands predominantly compromised, with only the walls still intact. The captain of the Beaune fire station, Captain Dombec, confirmed, "A team of about thirty firefighters intervened last night; the risk of spreading the flames has been mitigated, and surveillance at the site was lifted by morning." The fire was extinguished, but the distress surrounding the event continued as local officials assessed the damage early the next day.
Local authorities, including Pierre Bolze, the first deputy mayor of Beaune, visited the site on Thursday morning. Bolze highlighted, "This is tragic because it was the only dance venue for youth here in Beaune and much of the surrounding region." His commitment to supporting the affected staff and owners was palpable, stating, "My thoughts are with the owner and the 17 employees. There are no casualties, but I am genuinely concerned for Mohamed, the new owner. We will be there to support them through this difficult time."
The community impact of losing Copacabana is immense. It was not merely a nightclub but also a cultural hub for the youth, hosting events and gatherings over the years. Despite the devastating loss, Louizy remains hopeful about recovery. "We typically had between 200 and 250 guests every weekend. Even now, we have hope. We will rebound!" he professed, emphasizing his desire to connect with insurance and begin the reconstruction process.
The investigation following the fire is already underway. Authorities have indicated they will not dismiss any leads, even potential criminal intentions. With many unanswered questions, the community awaits clarity on what led to this calamity at one of its beloved nightlife spots.
While Louizy faces the challenge of rebuilding, he remains committed to his staff. "There will surely be technical unemployment for some, but there's no reason for us to be condemned. Like many coming together, we will rebuild our beloved nightclub, bringing joy back to our community," he affirmed, cementing his resolve amid adversity.
Bernard Salvat, once the heart of Copacabana, embraces this moment as both recall and renewal. He states, "After 18 years of operations, seeing everything crumble is heartbreaking, yet the spirit of the Copacabana remains. We will continue!" The Copacabana fire marks not just the loss of bricks and mortar but of memories, dances, and community connection.
The transformative power of the Copacabana will always be remembered, and its return is something the people of Beaune are eager to support.
