Crans-Montana Bar Fire Death Toll Climbs to 41 After Teenager Succumbs
The death toll from the catastrophic New Year's Eve bar fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has tragically risen to forty-one. This follows the death of an eighteen-year-old Swiss national who succumbed to injuries sustained in the blaze, as confirmed by authorities on Sunday.
Official Statement Confirms Latest Fatality
Beatrice Pilloud, the public prosecutor for the Wallis canton, issued a brief statement confirming the sad development. "An 18-year-old Swiss national died at a hospital in Zurich on January 31," she stated. "The death toll from the fire at Le Constellation bar on January 1, 2026 has now risen to 41." Pilloud added that her office, which is leading the investigation into the tragedy, would not be releasing any further information at this current stage.
Victim Profile and International Impact
The victims of this devastating incident ranged in age from fourteen to thirty-nine years old, with the majority being teenagers. Only four of those who perished were over the age of twenty-four. In addition to the fatalities, one hundred and fifteen people were injured, most of whom remain hospitalised across various facilities.
The international scope of the tragedy is starkly evident in the breakdown of the deceased. Among the forty-one victims were twenty-three Swiss nationals, which includes one French-Swiss dual national, and eighteen foreign nationals. The foreign victims comprised eight French nationals, including a girl with French, British, and Israeli citizenship; six Italian teenagers, one of whom held Italian-Emirati dual nationality; and one Belgian, one Portuguese, one Romanian, and one Turkish national.
Investigation and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Public prosecutors investigating the fire believe it originated when revellers celebrating the New Year raised champagne bottles adorned with sparklers too close to sound insulation foam on the ceiling of the bar's basement. This initial ignition point led to the rapid spread of the flames.
In connection with the incident, four individuals are currently under criminal investigation. These include the two co-owners of the Constellation bar, the head of public safety for the Crans-Montana municipality, and a former fire safety officer for the resort area.
Complex Medical Response and Patient Care
The response to the fire involved a complex medical evacuation. Seriously wounded patients were airlifted to various hospitals and specialist burns units not only throughout Switzerland but also to four other European nations to ensure they received critical care.
As of last Friday, Switzerland's federal office for civil protection reported that forty-four patients were being treated abroad. This breakdown included eighteen in France, twelve in Italy, eight in Germany, and six in Belgium. Concurrently, the Wallis health ministry stated that thirty-seven patients remained in Swiss hospitals as of Monday.
The medical situation remains fluid and dynamic. Patients are being moved between hospitals for different stages of their treatment, with some requiring readmission. A number of those injured continue to receive care in intensive care units, highlighting the severity of their conditions.
The community of Crans-Montana and the families of the victims continue to grapple with the aftermath of this profound tragedy, as investigations proceed and the injured fight for recovery.
