Swiss police have confirmed they have now identified every individual injured in the devastating fire that ripped through a crowded bar during New Year's celebrations in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana.
Revised Casualty Figures and Victim Details
In an update issued on Monday 5th January 2026, authorities stated the total number of injured stands at 116 people. This revises an earlier figure of 119 injured, with police explaining that three individuals admitted to hospital on the night of the disaster were incorrectly linked to the blaze. The tragic incident also claimed 40 lives, with all those victims identified by Sunday evening.
Of the injured, 83 remain hospitalised, more than two-thirds of the total. Police have not provided further details on their conditions or ages. The severity of burns sustained in the fire, which broke out around 1:30 a.m. on New Year's Day at the Le Constellation bar, complicated the identification process, requiring DNA samples from families.
International Scope of the Tragedy
The disaster had a profoundly international impact, injuring citizens from across Europe and beyond. According to the police statement, the breakdown includes:
- 68 Swiss nationals
- 21 French citizens
- 10 Italians
- 4 Serbs
- 2 Poles
Single nationals from Australia, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the Republic of Congo were also among the injured. Additionally, there were four dual nationals holding citizenship of France and Finland, France and Italy, Switzerland and Belgium, and Italy and the Philippines.
The youngest person killed was aged 14. On Monday, the bodies of five Italian victims were repatriated from Sion airport in a solemn ceremony, with Swiss police pallbearers transferring the coffins to an Italian Air Force aircraft as relatives and officials looked on.
Criminal Investigation and Probable Cause
Swiss investigators have stated their belief that the inferno was ignited by festive sparkling candles placed on Champagne bottles, which set fire to the ceiling. A criminal investigation into the bar's managers has been opened by the Valais regional prosecutor.
The two managers are formally suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm, and involuntarily causing a fire. The probe continues as the community and the families of victims from multiple nations begin the long process of recovery.
