CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — Swiss authorities have identified all 116 individuals injured in the devastating fire that ripped through a crowded New Year's Eve celebration at Le Constellation bar, marking a somber milestone in the aftermath of the tragedy that claimed 40 lives. The blaze, which erupted around 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026, in the popular ski resort town of Crans-Montana in the Valais region, turned a festive night into one of horror as partygoers fled the inferno.
Police announced the identifications on Monday, revising an earlier count of 119 injured down to 116 after discovering that three people admitted to hospitals that night had been erroneously linked to the bar fire. "We've identified all the people who were injured in the fire that tore through a New Year's celebration in a crowded bar," a police statement read, emphasizing the painstaking process amid the chaos. More than two-thirds of the victims—83 in total—remain hospitalized, though officials did not provide details on their conditions or ages.
The injured hail from a diverse array of nationalities, reflecting the international draw of Crans-Montana's vibrant nightlife during the holiday season. According to the police statement, the group includes 68 Swiss citizens, 21 French nationals, 10 Italians, four Serbs, two Poles, and one person each from Australia, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the Republic of Congo. Additionally, there are four dual nationals: one holding French and Finnish citizenship, another French and Italian, a third Swiss and Belgian, and the last Italian and Filipino.
The fire's ferocity, fueled by severe burns on many victims, complicated identifications, forcing authorities to rely on DNA samples provided by families. This grim task paralleled the completion of identifications for the 40 fatalities announced the previous evening, with the youngest victim just 14 years old. "The severity of burns made it difficult to identify some victims," police noted, underscoring the human toll beyond the numbers.
In a poignant ceremony on Monday, Italian authorities repatriated the bodies of five victims from Sion airport, the regional capital. Officials stood in silent tribute as Swiss police pallbearers carried the coffins through a honor guard of firefighters and soldiers to an Italian Air Force C-130 cargo plane. Mourners exchanged hugs before boarding the aircraft, a scene that captured the global grief enveloping the disaster.
Investigators believe the fire started when festive sparkling candles placed atop Champagne bottles came too close to the bar's ceiling, igniting flammable materials. This preliminary finding has prompted a criminal probe into the bar's managers, who face charges of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm, and involuntarily causing a fire. The Valais region's chief prosecutor outlined the suspicions, stating that the two managers are under investigation for their role in the events leading to the blaze.
Crans-Montana, nestled in the Swiss Alps at an elevation of about 1,500 meters, is renowned for its luxury ski resorts and après-ski scene, attracting thousands of revelers each New Year's. Le Constellation bar, a fixture in the town's nightlife, was packed with celebrants toasting the arrival of 2026 when the fire broke out. Eyewitness accounts, though not detailed in official releases, have described scenes of panic as smoke filled the venue and patrons scrambled for exits.
The initial emergency response involved multiple ambulances and fire crews from across the Valais canton, with hospitals in Sion and further afield treating the influx of casualties. Authorities had reported 119 injured shortly after the incident, a figure that included burns, smoke inhalation, and other trauma. The correction to 116 came after meticulous cross-checking, highlighting the challenges in coordinating such a large-scale disaster response in a remote alpine location.
As families continue to grapple with loss, the identification process has brought some closure but also fresh waves of sorrow. The 14-year-old victim, among the deceased, has drawn particular attention, prompting questions about the presence of minors in such a lively adult-oriented venue. Police have not released names of the injured or deceased out of respect for privacy, but the multinational composition has led to consular involvement from several countries.
The repatriation flight for the Italian victims was one of several international efforts underway. French officials have indicated plans to assist with their 21 nationals among the injured, while Serbian and other embassies are providing support. "Mourners hugged before relatives boarded the aircraft," reports described the emotional farewell at Sion, where the winter chill seemed to mirror the heavy atmosphere.
Beyond the immediate human cost, the fire has reignited discussions on fire safety in Switzerland's bustling tourist hotspots. Crans-Montana's bars and clubs, often decorated with holiday flair, now face scrutiny over compliance with building codes and emergency protocols. The use of sparkling candles, a common celebratory element, has been singled out as a potential hazard, with experts noting that low ceilings in older venues like Le Constellation can exacerbate risks.
The criminal investigation, led by the Valais prosecutor's office, is expected to delve into whether the bar's management overlooked safety measures or allowed overcrowding. "The two are suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm and involuntarily causing a fire," the chief prosecutor confirmed, signaling a thorough examination of operational practices. No arrests have been made, and the managers have not commented publicly.
In the wider context of New Year's celebrations, this tragedy stands out amid otherwise joyful global festivities. Switzerland, with its tradition of fireworks and gatherings in alpine chalets, saw no other major incidents reported that night. However, the Crans-Montana fire echoes past disasters, such as the 2003 Station nightclub blaze in Rhode Island that killed 100, underscoring the perennial dangers of pyrotechnics in enclosed spaces.
Looking ahead, Swiss authorities plan to release more details on the victims' conditions as they stabilize, while the investigation could take months. Community leaders in Crans-Montana have called for a moment of silence at upcoming events, and local businesses are reviewing safety plans. The bar remains cordoned off, a stark reminder amid the snow-capped peaks.
As the alpine town begins to heal, the focus shifts to supporting survivors and honoring the lost. With 83 injured still receiving care, the road to recovery will be long, but the swift identification efforts offer a foundation for justice and remembrance in this heartbreaking chapter.