Swiss authorities have successfully identified the first four victims of the devastating New Year’s Eve fire that ravaged Le Constellation bar in the popular Crans-Montana ski resort. The deceased include two Swiss women aged 21 and 16, along with two Swiss men aged 18 and 16, whose remains have been returned to their grieving families following extensive forensic examination.
Valais cantonal police confirmed that meticulous work by officers and the Institute of Forensic Medicine enabled these initial identifications, while efforts continue to identify the remaining victims of the tragedy that claimed 40 lives and left 119 injured. Many families now endure an agonizing wait for information about those still unaccounted for.
Preliminary investigation findings indicate the blaze likely originated from sparklers on champagne bottles being carried excessively close to the ceiling. Swiss President Guy Parmelin has characterized the incident as “one of the worst tragedies” in the nation’s recent history.
The establishment was particularly popular with younger visitors in the resort town where the legal drinking age is 16, explaining why many teenagers are among the casualties. Police have confirmed that 113 injured individuals have been identified, comprising 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French citizens, and 11 Italian nationals.
While an Italian teenage golfer has been informally reported as the first named victim, both Swiss and Italian officials have yet to officially confirm this identification. Authorities have established a dedicated helpline (+41 848 112 117) for concerned families seeking information about the incident.