A teenage boxer, the son of a British expatriate, has been hailed a hero after he died attempting to save a friend from a devastating fire that ripped through a popular Swiss ski resort bar on New Year's Eve.
A Tragic Loss and an Act of Heroism
Benjamin Johnson, aged 18, was among the 40 victims killed when an inferno engulfed the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana in the early hours of 1 January. The promising young athlete was remembered by the Swiss Boxing Federation as a 'hero' for his selfless actions during the blaze.
His father, Matthew Johnson, 57, originally from Bradford, moved to Switzerland for a career in tourism. He later met his wife, Nathalie, and the couple settled in Lutry, near Lausanne, with Benjamin and his sister, Chloe. Social media pictures show the family enjoying holidays and, poignantly, Matthew and Benjamin cheering on England at Euro 2016.
In a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram, Chloe Johnson called her brother 'my angel', sharing a black-and-white baby photo. A relative in Halifax, West Yorkshire, told the Daily Mail the family had endured a 's*** couple of days'.
Investigation into a National Tragedy
The fire, which investigators believe started when staff waved champagne bottles with sparklers near the ceiling, triggered a deadly 'flashover' around 1.30am. This phenomenon likely caused the venue to ignite in seconds, making escape nearly impossible for many of the revellers inside.
The death toll reached 40 people from seven different nations, with 26 of the victims aged between just 14 and 18. Some were so badly burned that DNA analysis was required for identification. The Swiss authorities confirmed the victims included:
- 21 Swiss nationals (10 males, 11 females).
- Six Italians, including three 16-year-old boys.
- Seven French citizens.
- A 15-year-old girl with British, French, and Israeli nationality.
- Victims from Romania, Belgium, Portugal, and Turkey.
Among the young victims identified was 15-year-old British schoolgirl Charlotte Niddam. Her family confirmed her death in a social media post, stating funeral arrangements would likely be in Paris. Her body was identified with assistance from Zaka, an Israeli emergency service.
Stories of the Victims Cut Short
The tragedy has left a trail of grief across Europe, with individual stories of heartbreaking misfortune emerging.
Achille Barosi, 16, from Milan, had returned to the bar to retrieve his phone and jacket moments before the fire took hold. Alice Kallergis, 15, was on her first night out with her older brother, having skied at the resort all her life. Giovanni Tamburi, 16, from Bologna, was holidaying with his father in Switzerland and never returned home after going to the bar with friends.
Other victims included Émilie Pralong, 22; Swiss national Tristan Pidoux, 17; Italian Chiara Costanzo, 16; and promising 17-year-old golfer Emanuele Galeppini, who lived in Dubai. In total, 116 people were injured, with some still fighting for their lives.
The French owners of Le Constellation, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are now under investigation for suspected manslaughter, bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence. Investigators are examining the bar's safety standards, including its soundproofing and emergency exits, with former staff alleging fire extinguishers were kept locked.
