CRANS-MONTANA, SWITZERLAND – The picturesque ski resort of Crans-Montana is grappling with profound grief and shock following the identification of the 40 individuals who perished in a devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar on New Year's Eve. The blaze, which erupted just moments before midnight, has cast a dark shadow over the typically jubilant celebrations, claiming a tragically young and international cohort of victims.
Valais cantonal police confirmed on Sunday evening that the identities of all 40 deceased had been successfully established, bringing a measure of closure, albeit a deeply painful one, to grieving families across Europe. The victims, whose ages ranged from a mere 14 to 39 years old, represented a diverse tapestry of nationalities, underscoring the resort's global appeal. At least eight countries are known to be represented among the deceased, including Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey. Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain the precise nationalities of all those lost.
The tragedy has also left 116 individuals injured, many with severe burns requiring extensive medical care. While authorities have been working diligently to identify all those affected, the severity of their injuries has, in some instances, complicated the process. As of Monday, 83 of the injured remained hospitalised, testament to the ferocity of the inferno. Among the identified victims are a Franco-Swiss woman, a 15-year-old girl holding citizenship from France, Israel, and the United Kingdom, and an Italian national also possessing United Arab Emirates citizenship, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the disaster.
The fatal fire broke out during festivities at the popular Le Constellation bar, managed by a French couple. Preliminary investigations conducted by Swiss police and the Valais canton lead prosecutor's office point towards a potential ignition source involving sparklers on bottles. It is believed these were brought too close to the venue's ceiling, leading to a rapid conflagration. Investigators are now scrutinising the role of acoustic foam lining the ceiling, examining whether its presence exacerbated the situation and if it adhered to prevailing safety regulations. Beatrice Pilloud, the lead prosecutor for the Valais canton, stated that a key focus of the inquiry would be to determine "whether it complies with regulations."
A comprehensive criminal investigation has been launched to ascertain the precise cause of the fire and to probe any potential breaches of safety protocols. The management of the bar is central to this inquiry, as authorities seek to understand whether adequate preventative measures were in place. This incident is being described as one of the most calamitous events to have befallen the alpine resort in recent memory, leaving the tight-knit community of Crans-Montana in mourning for its young, international clientele. The repercussions of this New Year's Eve catastrophe will undoubtedly resonate for a considerable time, prompting a thorough re-evaluation of safety standards in public venues across Switzerland.