The devastating fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana has left families in a heart-wrenching state of uncertainty as they await the identification of their loved ones. A group of 15 young individuals had journeyed from Milan to this Swiss ski resort, some driving across the border while others opted for the train, all to celebrate New Year's Eve together. This destination was familiar to them; many had enjoyed summer vacations here with their families. They were particularly excited about ringing in the new year at a bar that has recently gained popularity as a vibrant gathering place.
Tragically, only eight from their party managed to flee the raging flames that engulfed the venue, resulting in around 40 fatalities and approximately 80 others suffering critical injuries. Among those who barely escaped are Marco, 20, and Gabriele, 18, who intended to join their friends at the bar after midnight but, by a twist of fate, chose otherwise. Now, they are anxiously searching for four missing friends, including 16-year-olds Achille Barosi and Chiara Costanzo. "Sometimes that’s how fate unfolds," shared Gabriele as he stood beside a makeshift memorial adorned with flowers and candles, adding, "It is absolutely devastating."
Among the victims identified was Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old international golfer residing in Dubai, who was the first to be publicly recognized. His uncle, Sebastiano, informed the Italian news outlet Ansa that the family was awaiting DNA confirmation, though the Italian Golf Federation had already announced his passing on their website. Additionally, Charlotte Niddam, a British-educated teenager believed to be around 15, was reported missing. The spokesperson for Immanuel College in Bushey, Hertfordshire, expressed a heartfelt plea for community support during this challenging time, emphasizing the urgency of keeping Charlotte and her family in everyone’s thoughts and prayers while hoping for a miracle.
Swiss authorities have indicated that the fire might have originated from sparklers placed in champagne bottles that were moved too close to the ceiling. Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general for the Valais region, mentioned at a press conference, "A blaze erupted rapidly from that point. We have analyzed videos, interviewed multiple witnesses, and compiled reports to understand what transpired."
The investigation is also scrutinizing the acoustic foam on the ceiling to determine if it met safety regulations and contributed to the fire's spread. According to Frédéric Gisler, the chief of police in Valais, out of the 119 individuals injured, 113 have been officially identified. Among these injured are 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French citizens, 11 Italians, and four Serbs, along with one person each from Bosnia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, and Portugal. However, the nationalities of 14 injured individuals remain unconfirmed, and officials warn that identifying the deceased and the remaining injured could take several days due to the severity of their burns.
A common thread among the victims is their youth. An Instagram account has emerged, filled with images of the young faces still unaccounted for, as friends and relatives desperately seek updates on their fates. Laetitia Brodard-Sitre reported her 16-year-old son, Arthur Brodard, as missing, reaching out for information on social media and through local newspapers, explaining that she and her husband had checked hospitals in Lausanne and Bern without success.
Emilie Pralong, a 22-year-old French woman, is also believed to have been in attendance, as relayed by her grandfather to BFMTV, who described the family’s agonizing wait for news. Hospital staff in Bern have advised anyone who knows the missing to inform authorities about any distinctive tattoos or jewelry the individuals were wearing at the time of the incident.
Ludovico, who regularly visits his parents' holiday home in Crans-Montana, was part of a group of five friends who drove from Rome to the resort. They had spent Tuesday night at the bar and were on their way back after celebrating New Year's elsewhere when they witnessed people fleeing in panic, flames trailing behind them. "We feel incredibly fortunate to have escaped," he remarked. Reflecting on common celebrations in nightclubs, Ludovico noted that while candles atop champagne bottles are a frequent sight for birthdays and other occasions, the significant difference in those settings is the much higher ceilings, which could prevent such tragedies.
The atmosphere in Crans-Montana on Friday was heavy with collective sorrow, especially amongst residents who had personal connections to the victims. "I’m still processing this tragedy," remarked Jacques, a local born and raised in the area, as he shared a coffee with a friend. "It feels like we’ve all lost someone dear."
Many in the community reminisced fondly about Le Constellation. Dalia Gubbay, a school council member in Milan representing the Jewish community, shared that she had owned a holiday home in the area for over three decades and often visited the bar to enjoy the pinball machines. On New Year’s Eve, her 27-year-old son and his wife celebrated in an apartment nearby, witnessing the chaos unfold as they returned home, seeing fellow revelers emerge from the bar in tears, some with burn injuries. "At that moment, they didn’t fully grasp the severity of what had occurred. Initially, we feared it might have been another attack on the Jewish community, but that suspicion was quickly dismissed."
Gubbay's other two children, aged 15 and 17, had originally planned to welcome the New Year in Crans-Montana before opting for Florence instead. "When they finally returned home, I held them tightly and cried. If they had stayed, they could have been at the party at Le Constellation. This entire situation feels unimaginable."
But here's where it gets controversial: As investigations continue, many are questioning whether safety regulations were adequately enforced in such high-risk environments. Are we doing enough to protect attendees in crowded venues? What changes need to be implemented? Join the conversation in the comments below.
