Swiss investigators have begun the heartbreaking work of identifying the victims of a devastating New Year’s Eve fire that swept through a crowded bar in the luxury ski resort town of Crans-Montana, killing around 40 people and injuring more than 100 others. Many of those inside were young people celebrating the start of a new year. The intensity of the flames left many bodies severely burned, making the identification process painfully slow.
Authorities explained that it may take several days before families receive official confirmation about their loved ones. As they wait, parents and friends have been desperately seeking updates, while foreign embassies work urgently to trace their missing nationals. Swiss officials described the situation as one of the most tragic incidents the country has faced in recent history.
“The first objective is to assign names to all the bodies,” said Crans-Montana mayor Nicolas Feraud. Teams of forensic experts are now relying on DNA and dental records to ensure full certainty before sharing any information with families. Officials emphasized that nothing will be confirmed until absolute accuracy is guaranteed, given the sensitivity and emotional gravity of the tragedy.
Italy and France have reported missing nationals, while Australia confirmed one of its citizens is among the injured. Estimates of the death toll currently differ, with Swiss officials citing around 40 fatalities while Italy lists 47, based on local updates. Over a hundred people were injured, with several still hospitalized.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities believe it was likely accidental. Early reports suggest decorations or sparkling candles may have ignited the ceiling of the basement bar. Residents of the resort town — known for both skiing and golf — are in shock. Many knew the victims or had visited the bar themselves. Hundreds gathered for a silent vigil, placing flowers and lighting candles as the Swiss flag flies at half-mast for five days in national mourning.
“You think you’re safe here, but this can happen anywhere,” said one local teenager. Others spoke of narrow escapes or last-minute decisions that may have saved their lives.
Behind police barriers, emergency teams continue round-the-clock work to recover and identify the remaining victims. Survivors described flames spreading frighteningly fast, leaving many without time to react.
This tragedy has left a deep and painful scar on Crans-Montana, on Switzerland, and on families across several countries. As the slow process of confirming identities continues, the world is reminded that behind every statistic is a life, a story, and people who loved them. Communities are grieving not just numbers, but human beings — friends, children, siblings, partners — whose futures were stolen in an instant. In moments like these, compassion and solidarity matter more than ever.
