Investigators have started the difficult task of identifying victims after a deadly fire swept through a packed bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Switzerland. The blaze broke out at Le Constellation bar in the upscale ski resort town of Crans-Montana and killed around 40 people.
Most of the victims were young revellers who had gathered to welcome the new year. The tragedy has shocked the entire country.
Severe Burns Delay Identification of Victims
Officials said many bodies were badly burned in the fire. Because of the severity of the injuries, identifying the victims will take time. Authorities warned that the process could last several days.
Swiss officials also confirmed that 115 people were injured in the blaze. Many remain in serious condition. Due to the sensitivity of the situation, officials stressed that accuracy is essential before sharing any names.
Families and Embassies Await Information
As the investigation continues, families of missing young people are anxiously seeking answers. Parents have issued emotional appeals for information about their children.
At the same time, foreign embassies are working urgently to determine whether any of their nationals were among the victims. The incident is being described as one of the worst tragedies in modern Swiss history.
Officials Emphasise Accuracy and Sensitivity
Crans-Montana mayor Nicolas Feraud addressed the media on Thursday evening and explained the priority for authorities. "The first objective is to assign names to all the bodies," Crans-Montana's mayor Nicolas Feraud told a press conference on Thursday evening.
He added that the identification process could take several days.
Mathias Reynard, head of the Valais canton government, said experts are using scientific methods to confirm identities. Teams are relying on dental records and DNA samples.
"All this work needs to be done because the information is so terrible and sensitive that nothing can be told to the families unless we are 100 per cent sure," he said.
What Happened at the Crans-Montana Bar
The fire erupted during a New Year’s Eve party at Le Constellation bar, located in the basement of a building in Crans-Montana. The venue was crowded with young people at the time.
The flames spread rapi'
dly, trapping many inside. Around 40 people died, while at least 115 others suffered injuries.
Early findings suggest the incident was accidental. Authorities said there is no indication of a terror attack. Survivors and videos shared on social media suggested that sparkling candles may have ignited the ceiling after coming too close to flammable material.
Investigators are continuing their probe to confirm the exact cause.
Town in Mourning After Shocking Tragedy
The fire has deeply shaken the close-knit community of Crans-Montana, a town known for skiing and golf. Many residents personally knew those who died. Others said they narrowly avoided being at the bar that night.
On Thursday evening, hundreds gathered near the site of the fire. They stood silently behind police barriers to honour the victims. "You think you're safe here but this can happen anywhere. They were people like us," said Piermarco Pani, an 18-year-old who knew the bar well.
Flowers and Candles Honour the Victims
Mourners left flowers and lit candles at a makeshift memorial near the road leading to the bar. Some people wept openly. Others hugged quietly as they shared their grief.
Police said some victims’ bodies were still inside the building as forensic teams continued their work. Authorities pledged to operate around the clock until all victims are identified.
Survivors Recall Fire Spreading Quickly
Kean Sarbach, 17, said he spoke to four people who managed to escape the bar. Some of them suffered burns. They told him the fire spread extremely fast.
Another teenager, Elisa Sousa, said she was supposed to attend the party but stayed home with her family instead. "And honestly, I'll need thank my mother a hundred times for not letting me go," she said at the vigil for the victims. "Because God knows where I'd be now."