Swiss authorities struggle to identify victims in fatal nightclub blaze

Investigation Underway After Devastating Fire at Swiss Alps Bar

A fire broke out at Le Constellation, a popular bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve 2026, resulting in approximately 40 fatalities and over 115 injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of the night, with many victims suffering severe burns.

Relatives and friends of those affected have been sharing photos and information on social media in an effort to locate their loved ones. However, officials have stated that the identification process may take several days or even weeks due to the extent of the damage caused by the fire.

The investigation is currently underway, with authorities using dental and DNA samples to identify the victims. The first objective is to assign names to all the bodies, which could take several days. Officials have emphasized the need for caution in order to ensure that sensitive information is not shared with families until it can be confirmed.

Bystanders described scenes of panic and chaos during the incident, with some attempting to escape through broken windows while others suffered burns. The exact number of people present at the bar when the fire occurred remains unclear.

Multiple countries have reported nationals missing or injured in the incident, including Italy and France. Italian authorities have put the death toll at 47, citing information from Swiss authorities. Switzerland has confirmed approximately 40 fatalities, with over 30 victims taken to specialized burn units in Zurich and Lausanne.

The investigation is ongoing, with officials declining to speculate on the cause of the fire. The bar’s owners are reportedly being investigated to determine whether they met safety standards and had adequate exits.

Source: Al Jazeera