Victim Identification a Slow and Painful Process
Swiss officials said identifying the victims will take several days due to the severity of the burns suffered. Forensic teams are relying on dental records and DNA testing to confirm identities, with authorities stressing that families will be informed only after absolute verification.
Valais regional officials confirmed that several injured survivors remain unidentified, either because they were not carrying documents or because identification was destroyed in the fire. Medical authorities warned that many victims remain in life-threatening condition, particularly those with extensive third-degree burns.
International Victims and Cross-Border Medical Response
The victims are believed to include citizens from multiple countries. Italian, French, and other European nationals were among those injured or missing. Several critically injured survivors were airlifted to specialised burn units in France, Germany, and Poland.
Italy’s foreign minister confirmed that several Italian citizens were affected, while France reported multiple nationals receiving treatment. The European Union said it was coordinating with Swiss authorities to provide additional medical assistance if required.
Possible Cause Under Investigation
Investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire, but early evidence has focused attention on indoor sparklers or flares reportedly placed in champagne bottles as part of a celebratory display. Witness videos circulating on social media appear to show flames reaching the ceiling moments before the inferno erupted.
Authorities are examining whether the ceiling materials, reportedly soundproofing panels, met safety regulations. Fire safety compliance, including the number and width of emergency exits, is also under scrutiny.
Exit Safety Concerns Raise Questions
Survivors described the basement venue as having limited escape routes, with access reportedly restricted to a single narrow staircase. Safety experts noted that in many European countries, venues hosting large crowds are required to have multiple exits to prevent deadly bottlenecks.
According to publicly available information, Le Constellation had a capacity of several hundred people, raising serious concerns about evacuation preparedness during emergencies.
Nation in Mourning
Switzerland’s leadership expressed profound shock and grief, announcing five days of national mourning. Vigils were held across Crans-Montana as residents and tourists gathered to lay flowers, light candles, and observe moments of silence for the victims.
Religious leaders and international figures sent messages of condolence, while local residents described the tragedy as unimaginable for a peaceful alpine community known for tourism and winter sports.
Global Lessons on Public Safety
The tragedy has reignited global discussions on nightclub and event safety standards, echoing similar disasters worldwide. Experts stress that strict enforcement of fire codes, safe materials, and crowd management protocols remains critical.
