Swiss authorities have now officially identified all forty individuals who tragically perished in a devastating New Year's Eve inferno at a popular resort bar. This painstaking identification process, significantly complicated by the severe injuries sustained by many victims, has provided some measure of closure for the grieving families. However, the challenging recovery journey for the 119 individuals who were injured continues. The incident, which has profoundly impacted Switzerland and international communities, is currently being treated as a criminal matter, with the bar's management facing thorough scrutiny.
The catastrophic blaze, which erupted at the "Le Constellation" bar in the prestigious Crans-Montana ski resort, is believed to have been ignited by celebratory fountain candles. These small pyrotechnic devices, commonly used during New Year's Eve festivities, are thought to have come into dangerous proximity with the bar's ceiling. This proximity is suspected to have triggered a rapid and extremely fierce conflagration. The incredible speed at which the flames consumed the premises, potentially worsened by the building's construction materials, offered very little opportunity for escape. Consequently, this resulted in an unprecedented loss of life for a disaster of this nature in recent Swiss history.
Authorities have been diligently working since the initial hours of the new year to ascertain the identities of all those lost. The victims, whose ages ranged from a mere 14 to 39 years old, represented a diverse array of nationalities, highlighting the international appeal of Crans-Montana. Among the confirmed deceased are twenty-one Swiss nationals, nine French citizens, and six Italians. Additionally, individuals from Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey were among those who tragically lost their lives. The sheer scale of the casualties, particularly the significant number of teenagers, has cast a somber pall over the entire community.
The identification process proved exceptionally challenging, as many victims suffered extensive burns that rendered visual recognition impossible. Forensic specialists, dental records, and DNA analysis were indispensable in this delicate undertaking. Police announced the identification of sixteen additional victims on Sunday, a significant milestone. This group included ten Swiss nationals, one Romanian, one French national, and one from Turkey, alongside individuals with dual citizenship. This followed an earlier announcement on Saturday night, which confirmed the identities of four Swiss victims.
The profound grief experienced by the community is palpable. Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey of Sion conveyed the collective sorrow, stating, "Countless people join us — people whose hearts are broken." Pope Leo XIV has also extended his condolences, offering "compassion and his care for the victims’ families." The personal anguish of those directly affected is immeasurable. For one grieving mother, finding solace in the knowledge that her 16-year-old son is "in peace and in the light" marks the beginning of her mourning. Another tragically lost victim was 16-year-old Emanuele Galeppini, an Italian international golfer whose promising future was tragically cut short.
The 119 injured individuals have been distributed across various hospitals within Switzerland and in neighbouring countries, including specialist burn units in France and Germany. This distribution reflects the severe nature of their injuries. While 113 of these individuals have been identified, six remain unrecognised due to the critical condition of their burns, prolonging the agony for their families. The criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, focusing on the managers of Le Constellation, is actively ongoing, aiming to determine accountability for this devastating event.