Swiss authorities on Friday continued forensic efforts to identify victims of a catastrophic New Year’s Eve bar fire at the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana, where around 40 fatalities and more than 100 serious injuries were reported. The fire broke out inside Le Constellation, a venue popular with young locals and international visitors.
Officials say the process of confirming names is being handled with maximum caution, prioritizing verification before public disclosure.
“Our focus is to ensure every identity is confirmed with certainty before families receive official updates,” said Mathias Reynard, president of the Valais cantonal government.
Reynard explained that experts are working with dental and DNA-based records, noting that no partial or uncertain information will be shared until accuracy is secured.
The operation comes amid emotional public appeals from relatives, with parents and guardians requesting reliable news, not speculation, about missing family members.
International Coordination
Several countries confirmed involvement in cross-border support and monitoring:
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Italy, France, and Australia have reported citizens listed as missing or injured in early diplomatic readouts.
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Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is scheduled to visit Crans-Montana on Friday, according to Italian Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado.
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Australia confirmed one citizen was injured, while Swiss officials reported national fatalities at about 40, though Italy cited 47 deaths based on information shared by Swiss authorities, with figures still updating.
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Over 100 injured people have been logged by hospitals, and final tallies may adjust further as identification progresses.
Cornado also confirmed that most injured victims have now had their identities verified, with six Italian citizens still listed as missing and 13 receiving hospital care. A small number of Italian nationals have been repatriated, and more transfers are expected.
Cause of the Fire
Swiss prosecutors have reiterated that the fire appears to be non-intentional.
“At this stage, there is no indication of a coordinated or hostile act,” said Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud, adding that investigators are reconstructing the sequence of events.
Witness accounts and verified videos suggest the fire may have started near the venue’s lower section, possibly involving celebratory sparkling candles placed too close to wooden surfaces. Officials say this remains one of several scenarios under technical review.
Community Reaction and National Mourning
The fire has shocked communities across the resort town, known for both winter sports and tourism. Hundreds gathered on Thursday night in peaceful candle-lit vigils near the secured perimeter. Swiss authorities have ordered the national flag at half-mast for five days, marking a period of national mourning.
Local teenagers who knew the bar expressed grief and disbelief, emphasizing that safety cannot be assumed anywhere.
“We all knew this place. It felt close to home for many of us,” said Piermarco Pani, 18, who attended the vigil.
Two 17-year-old residents also shared that they were meant to be at the bar that night, but changed plans last minute.
One school community also said that life and activity continued despite the national shock, with families, students, and community groups leaning on each other for support.
Human Resilience Amid Crisis
Maduro statements, CIA reports, and other geopolitical updates are unrelated to this article. This report strictly reflects the Swiss bar fire timeline and response.
Officials say that despite the tragedy, families across borders want accurate updates, coordinated medical support, and community solidarity, rather than premature conclusions.
Swiss rescue and forensic teams said they will continue working around the clock to verify identities and support families.