Swiss Police Identify 24 Victims of Café Fire, Youngest 14

Swiss Authorities Continue Identification Process After Deadly New Year's Fire

Swiss police have now identified 24 victims of the devastating New Year's Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, with the youngest confirmed victim being just 14 years old. The latest identification brings the total to 24 out of 40 fatalities from the January 1st tragedy that shocked the Alpine nation and international community.

Victim Identification Progress

According to the Wallis Cantonal Police, the 16 newly identified victims include ten Swiss nationals, two Italians, an Italian-Emirati dual citizen, a Romanian, a French citizen, and a Turkish national. The identification process has been particularly challenging due to the severity of burns suffered by many victims, requiring extensive forensic work including DNA analysis.

'The identification of the deceased victims is taking longer because some victims were completely burned,' explained police spokesperson Beatrice Pilloud. 'We must also identify injured people who are still in hospital.'

The Tragic Incident

The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026, during New Year celebrations at the popular basement bar in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana. Investigators believe the blaze started when sparklers on champagne bottles ignited soundproofing foam on the ceiling, triggering a rapid flashover that engulfed the entire basement within minutes.

The venue's layout presented significant challenges for evacuation, with only one staircase leading to the upper level. This single exit point contributed to the high casualty count as panicked patrons struggled to escape the rapidly spreading flames and toxic smoke.

Criminal Investigation Underway

Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation against the bar's operators, who face potential charges of involuntary homicide, causing bodily harm through negligence, and causing a fire through negligence. The investigation will examine whether the establishment complied with Swiss fire safety regulations, which typically require two independent escape routes for venues of this type.

Bar owner Jacques Moretti has publicly stated that the establishment passed three inspections in the past decade and complied with all regulations. However, authorities are scrutinizing whether the soundproofing material used was fire-resistant and whether proper safety measures were in place.

Medical Response and International Aid

The scale of the tragedy overwhelmed local medical facilities, with 119 people injured, many suffering severe burns. Switzerland activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, transferring critically injured patients to specialized burn units across Europe. Emergency services deployed 150 personnel, 10 helicopters, and 40 ambulances in the immediate aftermath.

'The first 48 hours were crucial for the victims,' noted Dr. Marco Rossi, a trauma specialist involved in the medical response. 'Many suffered inhalation injuries in addition to burns, complicating their treatment and recovery.'

Community Mourning and Memorial

On Sunday morning, hundreds gathered in Crans-Montana for a memorial Mass honoring the victims. The service was broadcast on screens in the town square, where mourners stood in silent tribute. Following the religious ceremony, participants walked in a silent procession through the resort town.

The tragedy has prompted national reflection on fire safety standards in Switzerland, with President Guy Parmelin declaring January 9th as a national day of mourning. The incident represents one of the deadliest nightclub fires in Swiss history and has drawn comparisons to other European nightlife tragedies.

As identification efforts continue, families of the missing face agonizing uncertainty. Police have established a dedicated hotline and are working with international authorities to notify next of kin across multiple countries. The investigation into the fire's causes and potential safety violations continues, with results expected to influence fire safety regulations across Switzerland and potentially Europe.