**CRANS-MONTANA, SWITZERLAND** – In a somber development following a catastrophic New Year's Eve fire at a popular resort bar, Swiss authorities have confirmed the identification of all 40 individuals who perished in the blaze. The painstaking process, hampered by the severity of the injuries sustained, has brought a measure of closure to grieving families, though the long road to recovery for the 119 injured remains arduous. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through Switzerland and beyond, is being investigated as a criminal matter, with the bar's management facing scrutiny.
The inferno, which erupted at the "Le Constellation" bar in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana, is believed to have been ignited by celebratory "fountain candles" attached to champagne bottles. These pyrotechnic devices, often used at New Year's gatherings, are thought to have come into dangerously close proximity with the bar's ceiling, triggering a rapid and ferocious conflagration. The swiftness with which the flames engulfed the premises, potentially exacerbated by the building's construction materials, left little opportunity for escape, resulting in an unprecedented loss of life for a disaster of this nature in recent Swiss history.
Authorities have been working relentlessly since the initial hours of the new year to piece together the identities of those lost. The victims, whose ages ranged from a mere 14 to 39 years old, hailed from a diverse array of nationalities, underscoring the international appeal of Crans-Montana. Among the confirmed deceased are 21 Swiss nationals, nine French citizens (including one with dual Swiss nationality and another with a triple passport encompassing British, French, and Israeli citizenship), six Italians (one of whom also held Emirati citizenship), and individuals from Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey. The sheer scale of the casualties, particularly the significant number of teenagers, has cast a pall over the community.
The identification process was particularly challenging, with many victims suffering extensive burns that made visual recognition impossible. Forensic specialists, dental records, and DNA analysis were crucial in this delicate undertaking. Police announced the identification of 16 more victims on Sunday, a significant milestone that included ten Swiss nationals, two Italians, one individual with Italian-Emirati citizenship, one Romanian, one French national, and one from Turkey. Notably, ten of these newly identified individuals were teenagers aged between 16 and 18. This followed an earlier announcement on Saturday night, which confirmed the identities of four Swiss victims.
The profound grief is palpable. Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey of Sion conveyed the collective sorrow, stating, "Countless people join us — people whose hearts are broken." He further shared that Pope Leo XIV had extended his condolences, offering "compassion and his care for the victims’ families and strengthens the courage of all who are suffering." The personal anguish of those directly affected is immeasurable. Arthur Brodard's mother, speaking of her 16-year-old son, found a sliver of solace in his passing, saying, "We can start our mourning, knowing that he is in peace and in the light." Another tragically lost victim was 16-year-old Emanuele Galeppini, an Italian international golfer whose promising future was cut tragically short.
The injured, numbering 119, have been distributed across various hospitals within Switzerland and in neighbouring countries, including specialist burn units in France and Germany, reflecting the severity of their injuries. While 113 of these individuals have been identified, six remain unrecognised due to the critical nature 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 ongoing, aiming to determine accountability for this devastating event that has indelibly marked the start of the new year.