Swiss police have identified 16 additional victims of the deadly fire that tore through a crowded bar in the alpine resort of Crans-Montana, as authorities continue the painstaking process of confirming the identities of those who died in one of the country’s worst recent disasters. The newly identified victims bring the total number of confirmed dead to 24, while efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining victims from the blaze, which killed 40 people in total.
The fire broke out during New Year’s Eve celebrations at a basement bar that was packed with young people from Switzerland and abroad. Police said the latest victims identified include teenagers and young adults from several countries, underlining the international nature of the crowd gathered at the venue that night. Officials confirmed that the bodies of those identified have now been released to their families, many of whom have been waiting days for confirmation amid scenes of grief and distress.
Authorities say the identification process has been slow due to the severity of the fire and the conditions inside the bar, which filled rapidly with smoke and flames. Dozens of people were also injured, with many suffering serious burns and smoke inhalation. Some survivors remain in hospital, while others have returned home but continue to receive psychological support.
Investigators believe the fire may have started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited flammable material on the ceiling, causing flames to spread rapidly through the confined space. Witnesses have described scenes of panic as people struggled to escape, with some exits reportedly difficult to access due to the overcrowded conditions inside the bar.
Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the bar’s management, examining whether safety regulations were breached and whether negligence played a role in the high death toll. Investigators are focusing on fire safety measures, capacity limits and the availability of escape routes. No formal charges have yet been announced.
As the investigation continues, memorials have been held in Crans-Montana and surrounding areas, with hundreds of people gathering in silence to honour the victims. Local and national authorities have pledged full support to the families affected and have promised that lessons will be learned to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
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