Swiss police identify 16 more bodies after deadly New Year’s Eve bar fire
Swiss authorities have confirmed the identities of 16 additional victims from the fire that occurred at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Eve, resulting in a total of 40 fatalities. This incident is recognized as one of the deadliest…
Swiss authorities have confirmed the identities of all 40 victims of the New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, marking one of the country’s deadliest disasters. Police reported on Sunday that the newly identified individuals include 21 Swiss nationals, six Italians—including one with Italian-Emirati citizenship—one Romanian, nine French nationals, and one person from Turkiye. The youngest victim was a 14-year-old Swiss girl, followed by two 15-year-old Swiss girls. The oldest was a 39-year-old French national.
The blaze erupted at the mountain resort bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations, leaving approximately 119 people injured, some with severe burns requiring treatment in specialized burn units across Europe. Damiano Vizioli, a 24-year-old from neighbouring Sion, was outside the bar when the fire broke out. He described hearing screams and later returned to search for a friend who worked there but has not been heard from since. 'I’m not sleeping well because I hear the people screaming,' he told reporters.
Eric Schmid, a 63-year-old local businessman, reflected on the deep impact the disaster will have on the community. 'We [the Swiss] are mountain people. We will survive, of course, but that’s not the most important thing,' he said. 'It’s more about the kids and all these people who have been affected. But the messages and signs of solidarity are super important,' he added.
Swiss authorities have confirmed the identities of all 40 victims of the New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, marking one of the country’s deadliest disasters.
Swiss prosecutors announced on Saturday that two individuals who operated the Le Constellation bar are under criminal investigation on suspicion of homicide by negligence. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the suspects or the ongoing probe. The fire has left the local community in acute distress, with residents and families grappling with the loss and injuries sustained in the tragedy.
Efforts to identify the victims are now complete, though the emotional toll on survivors and the broader community remains profound. The disaster has drawn widespread attention due to its scale and the young age of many of the victims, underscoring the severity of the incident in a region known for its winter tourism.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
