Swiss authorities warn victim identification may take days after resort fire

Swiss authorities have warned that identifying the victims of a catastrophic fire at a Crans-Montana ski resort bar may take several days, as emergency services and international partners grapple with the aftermath. The blaze, which erupted shortly after midnight on New Year's Eve, has left dozens dead and over a hundred injured, many with life-threatening burns.

A Daunting Task for Forensic Teams

Valais state councilor Stephane Ganzer stated that identifying the deceased "could take several days, or even longer," a sentiment echoed by Italian officials due to the severity of the burns sustained. The casualty figures remain provisional. Valais police report around 40 fatalities and approximately 115 injuries, most severe. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has cited higher numbers, with at least 47 killed and 112 wounded. Italian authorities confirm six of their nationals are missing and 13 hospitalized.

A Medical Crisis Straining Regional Hospitals

The scale and severity of the injuries have overwhelmed Swiss medical facilities. Matthias Reynard, president of the Valais government, noted at least 80 of the injured are in critical condition. Lausanne University Hospital is treating 21 patients, including eight minors, all with burns covering more than 60% of their bodies. The crisis has triggered an international medical response, with France reserving 19 specialized burn unit beds. Patients have already been transferred to hospitals in Milan, Paris, and Lyon, with Sweden and North Macedonia also offering assistance.

Criminal Probe Focuses on Sparklers and a 'Flashover'

A criminal investigation is underway, with Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stating the leading theory is a "generalized conflagration that caused a deflagration." Terrorism has been ruled out. Witness accounts and social media footage suggest the fire may have been ignited by sparklers attached to champagne bottles inside the crowded bar. Fire experts cited in international media suggest the rapid ignition could be consistent with a "flashover," where intense heat causes all combustible materials in an enclosed space to ignite almost simultaneously within seconds.

A Resort in Mourning and an International Tragedy

The Constellation bar was a popular gathering spot in the upscale international resort. On Thursday evening, hundreds of mourners braved freezing temperatures to hold a silent vigil at the charred site, laying flowers and candles. The tragedy has resonated across Europe, given the multinational clientele typical of Swiss Alpine resorts. The disaster underscores critical questions about fire safety in crowded venues and has united neighboring countries in a shared effort to treat the wounded and support the bereaved.