Investigators in Switzerland are facing the grim task of identifying the victims of a devastating fire that occurred during a New Year’s Eve celebration at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. The blaze has claimed the lives of approximately 40 people and left over 100 injured, many of whom sustained serious injuries. With the identification process complicated by the severity of the burns, officials indicate that it may take days to confirm the identities of all victims.
During a press conference on January 1, Nicolas Feraud, mayor of Crans-Montana, emphasized the importance of accurately identifying the deceased. “The first objective is to assign names to all the bodies,” he stated, acknowledging that this process could be protracted. Mathias Reynard, head of government for the canton of Valais, noted that experts are utilizing dental records and DNA samples to assist in the identification.
As families and friends await news, parents of missing young people have issued heartfelt pleas for information. Foreign embassies are also working diligently to determine whether any nationals are among the victims of this tragic incident. Reports indicate that both Italy and France have confirmed that some of their citizens are unaccounted for. Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister, is scheduled to visit Crans-Montana to address the situation firsthand.
Investigation Underway as Community Grieves
While Swiss officials have reported around 40 fatalities, Italian authorities have raised the death toll to 47, citing information from Swiss sources. As of now, officials indicate that all but five of the 112 injured individuals have been identified. According to Gian Lorenzo Cornado, the Italian ambassador to Switzerland, six Italians remain missing while 13 have been hospitalized, with several already repatriated.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest it was an accident rather than a deliberate act. Some witnesses have speculated that the fire may have started when candles became too close to the ceiling in the bar’s basement area.
The community of Crans-Montana, known for its winter sports and golf, has been left in shock. Many residents had personal connections to the victims. As a sign of mourning, the Swiss government has ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast for five days. Hundreds of people gathered near the scene to pay their respects, leaving flowers and lighting candles in memory of those lost.
Survivors Share Harrowing Accounts
Survivors of the fire have recounted harrowing experiences. One young man, Kean Sarbach, age 17, spoke to several individuals who managed to escape, some of whom suffered burns. He described their accounts of how rapidly the flames spread. Another local, Elisa Sousa, 17, shared her relief at having chosen to attend a family gathering instead of the bar that night, stating, “I’ll need to thank my mother a hundred times for not letting me go. Because God knows where I’d be now.”
This tragic incident marks one of the most significant disasters in modern Swiss history, highlighting the vulnerabilities even in seemingly safe environments. As the investigation continues, local authorities are committed to providing support to the grieving families while ensuring proper identification and communication of information surrounding the victims.
