Teen Victims Identified in Deadly Swiss Ski Resort Bar Fire
Teenagers as young as 14 and 15 were among the victims of a deadly fire at a packed ski resort bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, authorities confirmed Sunday, intensifying scrutiny over age checks and safety practices at the venue.
Police in Valais canton said they have now identified 24 people killed in the blaze, which broke out at Le Constellation bar around 1:30 a.m. local time during New Year celebrations. Around 40 people are believed to have died in the fire, and more than 100 others were injured, according to authorities.
Among the newly identified victims were a 14-year-old Swiss teenager, two 15-year-olds, two 16-year-olds, and one 17-year-old. Police also identified two Italian nationals aged 16 and a 16-year-old with dual nationality. In total, nine of the newly identified victims were under the age of 18, police said.
The young ages of many victims have shocked the tight-knit alpine community and raised urgent questions about how minors were able to access the bar so late at night. The fire occurred well after midnight, a time when additional legal restrictions apply to underage individuals in venues serving alcohol.
Legal Questions Around Age Restrictions
Under Swiss federal law, beer and wine may be sold to individuals aged 16 and older, while spirits are restricted to those aged 18, according to the Federal Office of Public Health. Valais canton law adds further limits, stating that after 10 p.m., individuals under 16 may only enter establishments serving alcohol if accompanied by a legal guardian or another adult authorized by their guardian.
Police have not yet confirmed whether the underage victims were accompanied by authorized adults at the time of the fire.
As investigators continue to examine the circumstances leading up to the blaze, the presence of young teenagers inside the venue at 1:30 a.m. has become a central focus of the inquiry.
Criminal Investigation Underway
On Saturday, Valais police announced they had opened a criminal investigation into the bar’s management on suspicion of negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson. Authorities have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made or whether charges are imminent.
One of the bar’s co-owners has publicly defended the establishment’s operations. Speaking to Swiss newspaper Tribune de Genève, French co-owner Jacques Moretti said the venue had been inspected “three times in 10 years.”
“Everything was done according to the rules,” Moretti said.
Investigators are now working to determine whether safety regulations, capacity limits, and age-related access laws were properly enforced on the night of the fire.
National Mourning and Community Impact
Swiss leaders have acknowledged the profound loss, particularly given the youth of many victims. President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin addressed the tragedy, saying many of those who died were “full of plans, hope and dreams.”
In Crans-Montana, a popular ski destination that draws visitors from across Europe, the deaths have left families and residents grappling with grief and unanswered questions. As more victims are identified and returned to their families, authorities say the investigation will continue for weeks, if not months.
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