Swiss authorities have identified the remains of 24 individuals who perished in the devastating fire at the Crans Montana ski resort. The tragic incident, which occurred during a New Year’s Eve celebration, claimed the lives of 40 people and injured 115 others.
Among the identified victims are 11 minors and 6 foreign nationals. Police confirmed that in addition to the eight Swiss nationals previously identified, they have now identified ten more Swiss citizens (four females and six males) ranging in age from 14 to 31. The victims also include two 16-year-old Italians, a 39-year-old French national, a 16-year-old with dual Italian and Emirati citizenship, an 18-year-old Romanian citizen, and an 18-year-old Turkish citizen.
The fire broke out shortly after midnight on Thursday at a bar in the popular resort, located in the canton of Valais in southwestern Switzerland. Investigators are working diligently to determine the exact cause of the blaze. Initial reports suggest that sparks from candles attached to champagne bottles may have ignited the ceiling, leading to the rapid spread of the fire.
Witness accounts cited by Swiss, French, and Italian media outlets describe a chaotic scene as the fire quickly engulfed the establishment. The exact number of people present at the time of the incident remains unclear. The extent of the damage caused by the fire initially hindered efforts to identify victims and provide an accurate casualty count.
Crans Montana is a well-known resort nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, approximately 40 kilometers north of the iconic Matterhorn mountain. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and authorities are committed to providing answers to the families and loved ones of the victims. DZWatch will continue to provide updates as they become available. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.
