Swiss authorities have confirmed that all 40 victims of the New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana have been identified, including 15-year-old Charlotte Niddam, who previously attended schools in the United Kingdom.
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The blaze, which broke out shortly after 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026, killed 40 people and injured 119 others, many seriously. Valais cantonal police announced the final identifications on January 4, following forensic analysis complicated by severe burns on many of the bodies.
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Charlotte Niddam attended Immanuel College in Hertfordshire and the Jewish Free School in north-west London. Reports indicate she held multiple nationalities, including French and Israeli ties. Her family confirmed her death in a social media statement, saying details of funeral arrangements would follow. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the news as “terrible” and extended thoughts to the family.
The fire occurred at Le Constellation, a basement bar popular with younger crowds in the upscale ski resort. Switzerland’s drinking age is 16, contributing to the venue’s appeal for teenagers and tourists celebrating the new year. Around 300 people were inside when the incident began.
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Preliminary investigations point to sparklers attached to champagne bottles as the likely ignition source. Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated that sparklers held too close to the ceiling appear to have sparked the blaze, leading to a rapid flashover. Videos and photos reviewed by authorities show flames erupting near the foam soundproofing material on the ceiling.
Fire safety experts have noted that polyurethane foam, if not flame-retardant, can accelerate fire spread and produce toxic smoke. Investigators are examining whether the materials complied with regulations and if the bar had adequate exits. Survivors reported difficulty accessing a rear door and a bottleneck at the narrow staircase.
Emergency responders, including 150 firefighters and multiple helicopters, arrived quickly, but the fire’s intensity limited rescue efforts. Many victims died from smoke inhalation. The injured were treated at hospitals across Switzerland and transferred to specialist burns units in Europe.
The victim list includes a high number of minors, with the youngest aged 14. Nationalities reported among the dead include Swiss, French, Italian, and others. Other confirmed victims include 16-year-old Swiss national Arthur Brodard and several Italian teenagers.
Crans-Montana residents and visitors held memorials in the days following the fire. Hundreds attended a Mass at Chapelle Saint-Christophe, followed by a silent march to the bar site. Makeshift memorials with flowers, candles, and messages have grown outside the sealed venue.
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Switzerland observed five days of national mourning, with flags at half-mast. A larger memorial ceremony is scheduled for January 9. Local officials and residents have expressed shock, with some calling for reviews of safety inspections in similar venues.
A criminal probe is underway targeting the bar’s owners, a French couple, on potential charges including negligence. The bar had reportedly passed prior inspections, but questions remain about capacity, materials, and pyrotechnic use indoors.
The tragedy has drawn international attention, with condolences from leaders including the Pope and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Clinics in neighboring countries assisted with the injured.
As of January 5, 2026, the investigation continues, focusing on building compliance and operational practices. Authorities have not released a full public list of victim names, citing privacy.
