Swiss Police Identify First Victims of Deadly New Year’s Eve Bar Fire

Swiss authorities have identified the first four victims of a devastating fire that tore through a packed bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations, killing 47 people and injuring scores of others in one of the country’s worst peacetime tragedies in recent years.

Police in the canton of Valais said the victims identified so far include two young women aged 21 and 16, and two teenage boys aged 18 and 16, all Swiss nationals. Officials said the formal identification process has been slow and complex due to the severe burns suffered by many victims, with forensic teams relying on dental records and DNA analysis.

The fire broke out shortly after midnight at Le Constellation, a basement bar and nightclub in the popular Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, where hundreds of people had gathered to welcome the New Year. Witnesses said the venue was crowded at the time, with many young revellers inside when the blaze erupted.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by party sparklers attached to champagne bottles, which are believed to have ignited sound-proofing material on the ceiling. The flames reportedly spread rapidly, filling the enclosed space with thick smoke and intense heat, leaving patrons little time to escape.

Survivors described scenes of panic as people rushed toward limited exits, with some attempting to break windows or push through narrow stairways in a desperate bid to flee. Emergency services arrived quickly, but the speed at which the fire spread significantly hampered rescue efforts.

More than 100 people were injured, many suffering serious burns and smoke inhalation. Several victims were transferred to specialised burn units in Switzerland and neighbouring countries due to the severity of their injuries. Authorities said the dead and injured include both local residents and foreign tourists visiting the ski resort for the holiday season.

Swiss officials have launched a full investigation into the cause of the fire and the club’s compliance with safety regulations, including occupancy limits and fire prevention measures. As identification efforts continue, families and the wider community remain in mourning, with authorities warning that confirming the identities of all victims will take considerable time.