Swiss authorities have initiated an extensive identification process utilizing DNA and dental analysis for the approximately 40 victims of the catastrophic New Year’s Eve fire that ravaged the Le Constellation bar in the prestigious Crans-Montana ski resort. The devastating blaze, which also left over 100 individuals injured—many critically—has prompted Switzerland to declare five days of national mourning, with flags across the nation flying at half-mast in solemn tribute.
Hundreds of grieving community members gathered Thursday evening for a silent vigil near the cordoned-off scene, creating a makeshift memorial adorned with floral tributes and flickering candles. The emotional gathering witnessed tearful embraces as residents struggled to comprehend the tragedy that struck their seemingly secure alpine community.
Federal officials caution that establishing a definitive victim list remains challenging due to the severe condition of remains, with complete identification potentially requiring several days. ‘All forensic work must be meticulously completed before communicating with families, as the information remains extremely sensitive,’ emphasized Mathias Reynard, head of the Valais canton government.
The international dimension of the tragedy continues to unfold, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani scheduled to visit the site Friday. Italy reports six nationals missing and thirteen hospitalized, while France and Australia have also confirmed citizens among the casualties. Discrepancies in casualty figures persist between Swiss officials’ estimate of approximately 40 fatalities and Italy’s report of 47 deaths based on their information.
While investigation into the fire’s origin continues, preliminary evidence suggests an accidental cause rather than intentional wrongdoing. Survivor accounts and social media footage indicate ceiling ignition in the basement area potentially resulted from sparkler candles being positioned too close to flammable materials. The resort community, renowned for both winter sports and summer golf, remains profoundly shaken by what represents one of Switzerland’s most severe modern tragedies.