All 40 Victims of Crans-Montana Bar Fire Identified

Tragic Identification Complete in Swiss Ski Resort Fire

Swiss authorities have confirmed that all 40 victims of the devastating New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana have been identified. The final 16 victims were identified by police in the canton of Valais, bringing closure to a painful identification process that has gripped Switzerland and the international community since the tragedy occurred on January 1, 2026.

Young Lives Lost in Alpine Tragedy

The victims ranged in age from 14 to 39 years old, with 26 of them being 18 years or younger. The youngest victim was a 14-year-old boy, highlighting the devastating impact on young people celebrating the new year at the popular ski resort bar. Among the international victims were six Italians, one Belgian, seven French nationals, one Portuguese, one Romanian, and one Turkish citizen. One victim held triple citizenship - British, French, and Israeli.

'The identification of all victims marks an important step for the families, but the pain remains unimaginable,' said a spokesperson for the Valais cantonal police in a statement to RTS.

National Day of Mourning Announced

Swiss President Guy Parmelin has declared Friday, January 9, 2026, as a national day of mourning. At 2:00 PM local time, church bells will ring across Switzerland followed by a minute of silence to honor the victims. The official memorial service will take place in Crans-Montana, with President Parmelin and other government officials in attendance.

'This tragedy has shaken our nation to its core. We stand united in grief with the families and friends of the victims,' President Parmelin stated during the announcement.

Investigation Focuses on Safety Violations

The criminal investigation into the fire continues, with prosecutors examining potential safety violations at Le Constellation bar. According to Reuters, Swiss authorities are investigating two individuals who operated the bar, with scrutiny focusing on whether emergency exits were blocked, if foam ceiling cladding was legal, and if the venue was overcrowded.

Videos circulating online show revelers waving champagne bottles with sparklers attached near the ceiling shortly before the fire broke out around 1:30 AM. The fire spread rapidly through the basement venue, with intense heat and smoke trapping many inside.

International Response and Recovery

The tragedy has drawn international attention, with victims coming from at least nine different countries. Many of the 119 injured were transferred to specialized burns units across Europe due to the severity of their injuries. The identification process proved challenging, requiring DNA samples and dental records in many cases due to the extent of burns.

Crans-Montana, a prestigious ski resort in the Swiss Alps known for hosting world-class skiing events and the Omega European Masters golf tournament, has been transformed into a place of mourning. Hundreds of residents and visitors participated in a silent procession through the resort town, carrying candles and flowers to honor the victims.

The municipality of Crans-Montana has joined the criminal proceedings as a joint plaintiff, indicating the community's determination to seek accountability for the tragedy. As Switzerland prepares for its national day of mourning, the Alpine nation reflects on one of its worst peacetime disasters and the young lives lost in what should have been a celebration of new beginnings.