Swiss authorities have begun the difficult process of identifying victims of a devastating fire that tore through a packed bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana. The blaze at the Le Constellation bar killed around 40 people, with Italy putting the death toll at 47, and left more than 100 injured. Officials said the severity of burns suffered by many victims means identification could take several days.
Families of missing young people have issued desperate appeals for information, while foreign embassies work to determine whether their nationals were among those affected. Officials in the canton of Valais said experts are relying on dental records and DNA samples to ensure accurate identification before informing families. Several countries, including Italy, France and Australia, have confirmed missing or injured nationals, with Italy reporting six citizens still unaccounted for.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though authorities believe it was an accident rather than a deliberate act. Survivor accounts and social media footage suggest decorations or sparking candles may have ignited the bar’s ceiling, allowing flames to spread rapidly. The tragedy has left the resort community in shock, with vigils held near the site and Switzerland ordering flags flown at half-mast nationwide as a mark of mourning.
