Authorities have released the identities of the first four victims killed in a Swiss bar fire, confirming two were children, as investigations continue into the cause of the blaze incident.
Identities Released for Initial Four Victims of Swiss Bar Blaze, Among Them Two Children
Candles and flowers line a growing memorial outside the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, where a devastating fire and explosion tore through a New Year’s Eve celebration, leaving dozens dead and many more injured. The tragedy has shaken Switzerland and drawn international attention as investigators work to determine exactly how the disaster unfolded.
According to authorities, at least 40 people lost their lives in the blaze at the crowded ski resort bar, while 119 others were injured, several of them seriously. The bar was filled with New Year’s revellers when the fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, turning a festive gathering into one of the deadliest civilian tragedies the country has seen in recent years.
On Saturday, Swiss police confirmed that the identities of four victims had been formally established. Valais canton police said the victims were all Swiss nationals and included two minors. Those identified were a 21-year-old woman, an 18-year-old man, and two 16-year-olds—a girl and a boy. Authorities said the remains of these victims had been returned to their families, allowing loved ones to begin the difficult process of mourning and funeral preparations.
Police added that work is ongoing to identify the remaining victims, a task complicated by the severity of the fire and the conditions inside the bar at the time of the incident. A Swiss official told Reuters that all bodies have now been removed from the premises, marking an important step in the investigation and recovery process. However, officers and forensic teams remain at the site as they continue to examine the scene.
Swiss authorities have emphasized that the incident is being treated as a fire-related tragedy rather than a deliberate attack. Early findings suggest that the blaze may have started accidentally during the New Year’s celebration. Investigators believe that handheld sparklers or party candles, used as part of the festivities, may have ignited flammable material on the ceiling.
The interior of the bar reportedly featured foam insulation or decorative material overhead, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of flames once ignition occurred. Officials say mobile phone videos recorded by partygoers, along with testimony from survivors, have helped narrow the focus of the investigation toward these celebratory items.
Despite these findings, the owner of the bar has maintained that all required safety regulations were met. In statements reported by local media, the owner insisted that the venue complied with fire safety standards and that regular inspections had been carried out. This claim is now likely to be closely scrutinized as part of the official inquiry.
The fire broke out at a time when the bar was at or near capacity, a factor that may have worsened the outcome. Witnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to escape the smoke and flames. Emergency services were dispatched quickly, but the speed at which the fire spread left little time for evacuation.
Crans-Montana, a well-known Alpine resort popular with tourists from around the world, is typically associated with winter sports and luxury holidays. The incident has cast a dark shadow over the town, particularly as it occurred during what should have been a joyful New Year’s celebration.
Local and national leaders have expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Flags were lowered in parts of the canton, and vigils have been held to honor those who lost their lives. Messages of sympathy have also poured in from abroad, reflecting the international profile of the resort.
As the investigation continues, questions are being raised about the use of open flames in enclosed public spaces, particularly during crowded events. Safety experts have warned that decorative materials, such as foam or synthetic coverings, can become extremely dangerous when exposed to sparks or heat.
Authorities have said that a full report will take time, as investigators must carefully reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the fire. This includes examining building materials, safety equipment, emergency exits, and the actions taken by staff and patrons before and during the blaze.
For now, the focus remains on identifying all victims and supporting the injured and bereaved. Many survivors are being treated in hospitals across the region, while others are receiving psychological support to help them cope with the trauma.
The tragedy has sparked renewed debate in Switzerland about fire safety regulations in nightlife venues, especially in tourist areas that see large crowds during peak seasons. Lawmakers and safety officials are expected to review existing rules once the investigation concludes.
This report is published by Insider18, drawing on information from Swiss authorities and international news agencies, as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating start to the New Year.
