Tragedy Strikes as Fire Claims Lives at Swiss Ski Resort Celebration

A group of 15 young people traveled from Milan to Crans-Montana, some crossing the border by car and others by train, to celebrate New Year's Eve at a bar known for its vibrant atmosphere during the holiday season. However, their celebration turned into a nightmare when a fire at the venue, Le Constellation, erupted shortly after midnight, resulting in about 40 fatalities and leaving dozens critically injured. Among the group, eight managed to escape the inferno while two of the oldest members, Marco, 20, and Gabriele, 18, decided at the last moment not to attend the venue. Now, they are part of the desperate search for four of their friends who remain missing, including 16-year-olds Achille Barosi and Chiara Costanzo. Standing beside a floral and candle tribute at the scene, Gabriele reflected on the tragedy, saying, "Sometimes that is how destiny plays out. It is devastating." The first identified victim was Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old golfer living in Dubai. The Italian Golf Federation confirmed his death on their official website. Among the missing is Charlotte Niddam, a 15-year-old British-educated student from Immanuel College, who was reportedly at the scene with her family. The school has reached out for support, asking the community to keep Charlotte in their thoughts as they await news. Swiss prosecutors revealed that the fire was likely started by sparklers placed in the tops of champagne bottles, which were then moved too close to the venue's ceiling, igniting a quick blaze. Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated that the investigation would also focus on the acoustic foam on the ceiling to ensure it complied with safety regulations. Amid the chaos, many victims were still unaccounted for, with authorities recognizing the difficulty in identifying the deceased due to severe burns. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Crans-Montana, as residents grapple with the grief of losing so many young lives. Jacques, a local resident, shared, "I'm still trying to digest it. It's like we have all lost a loved one." As search efforts continued, reports emerged of other missing individuals of various nationalities, highlighting the international scope of this heartbreaking event. In total, 119 individuals were injured, with the majority being from Switzerland and several from France, Italy, Serbia, Bosnia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, and Portugal. A poignant social media campaign has emerged, filled with photos of young faces still missing, as friends and family members continue to send out desperate pleas for information. Laetitia Brodard, reported her son Arthur missing, while families and friends of numerous others gathered information to assist authorities in identifying the injured or deceased. Ludovico, one of the survivors, recounted the horrifying moment they witnessed people running from the flames, a stark reminder of how quickly celebration can turn to chaos. "We are so lucky," he said, reflecting on how the evening could have taken a different turn. The incident has elicited deep emotions from the local community, where residents, familiar with the victims, come together in mourning. Dalia Gubbay, a long-time visitor to Crans-Montana, expressed her shock, saying the holiday home was a cherished place for many. Her children had initially planned to celebrate the New Year at the venue but opted for Florence instead. The close call overwhelmed her with emotion, as she recounted embracing her children upon their return. As the investigation unfolds, the community hopes for answers and a measure of solace for the families affected by this harrowing tragedy. Officials have urged anyone with information about the missing to come forward, as Switzerland mourns the loss of so many young lives in what should have been a night of celebration. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3