The close-knit community of the Swiss alpine resort Crans-Montana is reeling from a catastrophic fire that tore through a popular bar in the early hours of New Year's Day, claiming at least 40 lives and leaving the town's spirit forever altered.
A Community United in Grief and Solidarity
In the days following the blaze at Le Constellation bar, a steady stream of mourners has gathered at a makeshift memorial. They have laid flowers and lit candles to honour the victims, many of whom were young people celebrating the start of 2026. "We came to light a candle," said Sisi Boisard, a long-time visitor from France. "This is a tragedy that has cut profoundly, but not just here – it’s being felt across the world."
The sense of loss is palpable among the resort's 6,000 year-round residents. Maurice and Isabelle Direnne, locals who left flowers at the scene, expressed the collective despair. "We don’t know anyone who died but still we feel an immense despair, a very strong pain," Maurice said. "Usually at this time of year, the resort is bustling and everyone is joyful. But now we all feel completely crushed."
Painstaking Identification and Criminal Investigation
Swiss police confirmed on Saturday that they had identified and returned to their families the bodies of four Swiss nationals killed in the fire. The victims included a 21-year-old woman, an 18-year-old man, and a girl and boy, both aged 16. The identification process remains slow and difficult due to the severe burns suffered by many.
Among the first victims publicly named was Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old Italian golfer who lived in Dubai. Meanwhile, the bar's owners and managers, French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, have been placed under formal criminal investigation. Prosecutors are investigating them on suspicion of homicide, bodily harm, and arson by negligence.
Initial findings from the investigation suggest the fire probably started when sparkling candles were held too close to the ceiling of the venue's basement. The ongoing probe will scrutinise recent renovations, fire safety systems, escape routes, and the number of people inside the packed bar at the time.
An Irreplaceable Void in the Heart of the Resort
Le Constellation was a hub for young people in the region, known for its free entry and affordable drinks. It attracted teenagers from across the French and Italian borders, especially for New Year's Eve. For many residents, the bar holds fond memories. "It was a nice place to go at that age," recalled Marta Ramirez, who works in a local shop and visited as a teenager.
The tragedy has triggered an overwhelming wave of local solidarity. Shops have closed as a mark of respect, and so many people rushed to donate blood for the injured that appointment slots are filled until the end of January. Others have opened their homes to families of the victims and missing.
While some day-skier traffic continues, the usual post-holiday bustle has vanished, with many visitors cutting their trips short. As the community focuses on the immediate aftermath, questions about the long-term impact on tourism linger, unanswered. "I don’t think many people are thinking about next year," Ramirez admitted. "At the same time, this is not something that will be forgotten in a year. It will never be forgotten."
