Swiss authorities are expected to give a further update on a deadly fire at a popular ski resort as anxious families continue to issue public appeals for missing teenagers believed to have been inside the venue when the blaze broke out. The fire erupted in the early hours of New Year’s Day at a crowded bar in the resort town of Crans-Montana, in the canton of Valais, during celebrations welcoming the new year. Emergency services said the venue was packed with young people, including tourists and seasonal workers from several European countries, when flames and thick smoke spread rapidly through the building.
At least dozens of people were killed and more than a hundred injured, many suffering serious burns or smoke inhalation, according to provisional figures released by authorities. Swiss police and forensic teams have warned that identifying all the victims will take time due to the severity of injuries, with DNA and dental records being used in many cases. Officials said the process could take days or even weeks, prolonging the anguish for families waiting for confirmation about their loved ones.
As the identification work continues, families from Switzerland and abroad have turned to social media and news outlets to appeal for information about missing teenagers who were last seen at the bar. Several parents have said they have been unable to reach their children since the fire and have not yet received confirmation from hospitals or police. Embassies from multiple countries are working with Swiss authorities as concerns grow that some of the missing may be among the dead.
The Valais cantonal government has set up a crisis centre near the scene to support relatives and coordinate information, while helplines have been established for those searching for missing family members. Senior officials have pledged transparency as the investigation progresses and said a detailed briefing will be given once more facts are confirmed.
Investigators are examining the cause of the blaze, with early reports suggesting it may have started inside the bar and spread quickly due to flammable materials, though officials have stressed that it is too early to draw conclusions. Safety standards at the venue and evacuation procedures are also under scrutiny as Switzerland mourns one of the deadliest fires in recent years and families continue to hope for news of those still unaccounted for.
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