24 Victims Identified in Crans-Montana New Year's Eve Fire Including French National

On January 4, 2026, Swiss authorities reported the identification of 24 victims from the tragic fire that broke out at a bar in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve. This devastating incident resulted in a total of 40 fatalities and 119 injuries.

Among the identified victims, there are 11 minors and 6 foreign nationals. Specifically, authorities confirmed the identification of 10 additional Swiss victims, aged between 14 and 31 years old, comprising four women and six men. The foreign victims include two 16-year-old Italians, a 39-year-old Frenchman, a 16-year-old dual Italian and Emirati national, an 18-year-old Romanian, and an 18-year-old Turkish citizen.

Beyond identifying the victims, police have also accounted for 113 injured individuals treated in multiple countries, with 71 Swiss, 14 French (in some reports 16 according to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs), 11 Italians, and others from Serbia, Bosnia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, and Portugal. Severely burned patients have been transferred to hospitals in France, Belgium, Germany, and Italy.

In response to the tragedy, a memorial mass followed by a silent march took place, drawing hundreds of attendees who paid respects near the site. Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey praised media efforts in supporting victims' families, while Pastor Gilles Cavin highlighted that many victims were young apprentices and students.

Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation against the French bar managers, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, charging them with "homicide by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence." The blaze was reportedly ignited by candles placed too close to the ceiling near champagne bottles.

This tragic event continues to unpack its sorrowful toll as investigations proceed and families await further identification and information.