Authorities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana are undertaking a challenging process to identify the victims of a devastating fire that occurred during a New Year’s Eve celebration at the Le Constellation bar. The blaze, which erupted on January 1, 2024, has resulted in the deaths of around 40 people, with some reports indicating the toll could rise to 47. In addition, over 100 individuals have sustained injuries, many of them serious.
With the identification of the deceased proving to be a complex and emotional task, local officials have expressed their commitment to ensuring that every family receives accurate information before any announcements are made. “The first objective is to assign names to all the bodies,” said Nicolas Feraud, the mayor of Crans-Montana, during a press conference. He indicated that this process might take several days due to the severity of the burns.
Mathias Reynard, head of government for the canton of Valais, shared that experts are utilizing dental records and DNA samples to assist in the identification process. “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 percent sure,” he stated.
International Impact and Victim Concerns
As families await news of their loved ones, foreign embassies are actively working to determine if any of their nationals were among those affected. Italy and France have confirmed that some of their citizens are missing. Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister, is scheduled to visit Crans-Montana to provide assistance, as stated by Gian Lorenzo Cornado, Italy’s Ambassador to Switzerland. Reports indicate that six Italians remain unaccounted for, while 13 are hospitalized with injuries.
While Swiss officials have reported approximately 40 fatalities, Italian authorities have cited information from Swiss sources that suggests the death toll could be as high as 47. As of now, authorities have managed to identify all but five of the 112 injured.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with authorities leaning towards the conclusion that it was an accident rather than an act of violence. Eyewitness accounts and footage shared on social media imply that the fire may have originated from candles that got too close to the ceiling of the bar’s basement.
The local community has been left in shock, as many residents knew the victims personally. Vigils have sprung up in the vicinity, with hundreds gathering to pay their respects. As a gesture of mourning, Switzerland has ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast for the next five days. “You think you’re safe here, but this can happen anywhere. They were people like us,” expressed Piermarco Pani, an 18-year-old local.
In a poignant display of grief, community members have left flowers and lit candles at a makeshift altar near the bar, which authorities have cordoned off. Some attendees were visibly emotional, while others offered comfort to one another in the wake of this tragedy. Behind the cordon, police confirmed that some victims’ bodies remain at the scene as they continue their efforts to identify all those who perished in the fire.
Seventeen-year-old Kean Sarbach shared insights from friends who escaped, noting that they reported the flames spread rapidly. Another local, Elisa Sousa, reflected on her own fortunate circumstances, stating she had planned to attend the event but opted for a family gathering instead. “Honestly, I’ll need to thank my mother a hundred times for not letting me go,” she remarked, expressing the deep sense of relief and sorrow that has permeated the community.
The identification process remains ongoing as officials work tirelessly to bring closure to the families affected by this tragic event. The pain felt in Crans-Montana and beyond is palpable, and the community continues to grapple with the profound loss of life.
