On Friday, investigators began the challenging process of finding the remains from a devastating fire that engulfed a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in Crans-Montana, a luxurious Swiss ski resort, resulting in approximately 40 fatalities.
The burns sustained by many of the young attendees at the Le Constellation bar were so extensive that Swiss authorities indicated it could take several days to identify all victims. In addition, well over 100 individuals suffered injuries, with many needing serious medical attention.
As foreign embassies race to determine if their citizens were caught in what has become one of Switzerland’s most tragic incidents in recent years, the parents of missing young individuals are anxiously seeking updates on their loved ones.
“Our primary goal is to identify all the bodies,” stated Crans-Montana Mayor Nicola Ferro during a news briefing on Thursday night. He acknowledged this task could extend over several days.
Matthias Reynard, who leads the Valais cantonal government, explained that experts are utilizing dental records and DNA to assist in identifying the victims.
“We have to conduct this process carefully because such news is deeply distressing, and we can’t provide families with information unless we’re absolutely certain,” he added.
Countries like Italy and France reported that some of their citizens are unaccounted for. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Taggiani plans to visit Crans-Montana on Friday, according to Italian Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado.
Australia has also confirmed that a citizen was injured in the incident.
Swiss authorities noted that around 40 people are confirmed deceased, while Italian officials have cited a death toll of 47, based on the information they received from Switzerland.
Cornado indicated that, of the 112 injured, all except five have been identified. He mentioned that six Italians are still missing, with 13 currently hospitalized—three were repatriated on Thursday, and another three are expected to return on Friday.
Authorities have cautioned that the process of naming the victims or establishing an exact death toll will be time-consuming, as many bodies were severely burned.
The cause is under investigation
The fire’s cause remains unclear. Swiss officials suggested it appeared to be an accident, rather than an intentional attack.
Survivor accounts and social media footage imply that the basement’s ceiling may have ignited due to candles being placed too closely together.
Residents in the popular skiing and golfing town were left in shock by the horrific event. Many were familiar with the victims, and some expressed relief for not being present at the bar that night.
On Thursday evening, hundreds gathered near the site to honor the victims, standing silently in remembrance. The Swiss government has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for five days to express mourning.
“You might think you’re safe here, but something like this can happen anywhere. They were just like us,” remarked Piermarco Pani, 18, who recognized the bar well.
Dozens placed flowers and lit candles at a makeshift memorial on the road leading to the bar, which authorities had cordoned off. Some mourners were seen crying, while others comforted each other quietly.
Police report that the bodies of the victims remain inside the bar and committed to working continuously to confirm their identities.
Keene Surbach, 17, mentioned he spoke with four individuals who escaped, some with burns, and noted how rapidly the flames spread.
Elisa Souza, 17, shared that she had intended to go to the bar but ended up at a family gathering instead. “Honestly, I have to thank my mom for not letting me go,” she reflected at the vigil. “Because who knows what could have happened?”
