A fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year's Day, has resulted in 40 confirmed fatalities and 119 injuries. Authorities are continuing efforts to identify victims and investigate the cause of the blaze, a process anticipated to extend over several days or weeks.
Incident Overview
The fire occurred at Le Constellation bar, located in the Swiss Alps resort of Crans-Montana, on New Year's Day. The incident led to the deaths of 40 individuals and injuries to 119 others. Swiss authorities have identified 113 of the injured, with six individuals remaining unidentified. Among the injured, 71 were Swiss citizens, 14 French citizens, and 11 Italian citizens.
Investigation Details
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire likely began when sparklers, used on champagne bottles, came into contact with the bar's ceiling. The blaze reportedly originated in the basement area of the establishment. Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated that the ongoing investigation will examine:
- The construction materials used at the site.
- The bar's fire safety measures and protocols.
- The official maximum capacity of the venue.
- The actual number of individuals present at the time of the incident.
Authorities have indicated that while sparklers are considered the probable cause, multiple hypotheses regarding the fire's origin remain under review.
Victim Identification and Reported Missing Persons
Formal identification of the 40 deceased individuals is ongoing, with officials stating that the process could take days or weeks. Families and friends have utilized social media platforms and community groups to seek information regarding loved ones who were at the bar.
Individuals reported missing by their families or associated groups include:
- Arthur Brodard (16, Swiss): From Lutry, his parents reportedly searched hospitals in Lausanne and Bern. Friends of Brodard were located with significant burn injuries.
- Achille Osvaldo Giovanni Barosi (16, Italian): An art school student from Milan, he reportedly re-entered the bar around 01:30 local time to retrieve personal items.
- Emanuele Galeppini (16, Italian): A junior golfer originally from Genoa and residing in Dubai. His father stated he was at the bar and was last contacted around midnight on New Year's Eve. The Italian Golf Federation issued a tribute implying his death, though the Italian foreign ministry has not officially confirmed it.
- Giovanni Tamburi (16, Italian): His mother reported him missing. A friend indicated they fled after the fire started but subsequently lost sight of him.
- Emilie Pralong (22): Believed to have been at the location with several friends who are also reported as unaccounted for.
- Alice Kallergis (Dual national): Also reported to have been at the bar on New Year's Eve.
Confirmed Fatality:
Charlotte Niddam, a 15-year-old with an education in the United Kingdom, has been identified as one of the fatalities. Her family announced her passing via social media, a confirmation subsequently posted by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Niddam had previously attended Immanuel College in Hertfordshire and the Jewish Free School in north-west London, and had worked as a babysitter in Crans-Montana.
Official Response
Swiss President Guy Parmelin characterized the event as a significant tragedy for the country. Search operations for individuals reported missing continued for almost two days following the incident.