Swiss investigators on Friday continued forensic verification efforts after a fire swept through a packed bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana.
Officials confirmed that around 40 people lost their lives, while more than 100 others were seriously injured. Due to the severity of the incident, authorities stated that confirming all identities could take several days.
The first person to be publicly identified was Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old international golfer who previously lived in Dubai, according to statements shared by the Italian Golf Federation.
“We grieve the loss of Emanuele, a young athlete known for his passion and values,” the federation said in an official tribute.
Families Wait for Verified Information
Parents and relatives have issued public appeals for updates, as diplomatic offices from multiple countries coordinate with Swiss authorities to determine whether their citizens were affected.
Laetitia, mother of missing 16-year-old Arthur, told BFM TV that the uncertainty has been the hardest part.
“I’ve been looking for my son for more than 30 hours. The waiting is overwhelming,” she said.
“If he is receiving care, we don’t know which hospital. If information exists, we don’t have it yet. My only hope is to receive a verified update, not assumptions.”
Mathias Reynard, president of the Valais cantonal government, reiterated that no names will be released until confirmation is complete.
“We must be certain before sharing any details with families,” he said.
“Specialists are using all available forensic tools to verify identities, but nothing can be shared unless it is fully confirmed.”
Investigation on Cause Continues
Swiss prosecutors have stressed that the incident is being treated as an accident, not a coordinated attack. Survivors interviewed by local media suggested that celebration candles may have been placed too close to wooden surfaces in the lower section of the bar, but authorities say the scenario is still under investigation.
Ambassador Cornado said embassies remain focused on coordination, not attribution.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said 13 Italian citizens were hospitalized and six remain registered as missing, while noting that three injured patients are still pending identity verification.
“Dozens of interviews have been conducted,” Tajani said after speaking with Swiss prosecutors.
“Something in the safety chain did not function as expected. The judiciary will determine responsibility once the technical investigation is complete.”
France’s Le Midi Libre reported that one French woman was identified among the deceased, though France’s foreign ministry has not confirmed additional details publicly.
Shock Across the Resort Town
Residents and visitors expressed grief at vigils held near the secured area, where families, students, and community groups gathered despite freezing mountain temperatures.
“It could have been any of us,” said Emma, 18, a Geneva resident familiar with the bar.
“We saw long lines earlier in the night and changed plans. Now we realize how fragile moments of celebration can be.”
Elisa Sousa, 17, who planned to attend the bar but instead stayed at a family event, said she owes her safety to that change.
“I’ll thank my mom many times for steering my plans that night,” she said at the vigil.
“No one expected this kind of tragedy here. It reminds us that resilience, community, and verified support matter most.”