Teenagers as young as 14 and 15 were among those killed in a devastating fire at a ski resort bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, police said on Sunday, as authorities investigate whether age checks and safety measures were properly enforced.
The blaze broke out late on New Year’s Eve at a bar packed with young people celebrating the arrival of the new year. Officials in the Valais canton said the venue was crowded at the time, contributing to the scale of the tragedy. An estimated 40 people are believed to have died, with more than 100 others injured, many of whom were treated for burns and smoke inhalation.
Authorities confirmed that 16 additional victims have now been formally identified, bringing the total number of identified victims to 24. Their bodies have been returned to families, police said. Identification efforts are continuing, with forensic teams working to confirm the identities of the remaining victims.
The presence of underage teenagers among the dead has raised urgent questions about whether age restrictions were enforced at the bar. Swiss police said it remains unclear how minors gained access to the venue and whether proper checks were conducted at the entrance. Investigators are also examining the bar’s occupancy levels, emergency exits, and compliance with fire safety regulations.
While officials have not yet released names, police said the victims include:
- Teenagers aged 14 and 15
- Young adults in their late teens and early twenties
- Bar staff and guests attending New Year’s Eve celebrations
Local and national leaders expressed condolences to the victims’ families, calling the incident one of the deadliest nightlife fires in Switzerland in recent years. Grief counselling services have been offered to survivors and relatives, and authorities have urged witnesses to come forward with information.
As investigations continue, prosecutors are expected to review potential criminal liability related to safety failures, overcrowding, and age verification. For now, the focus remains on supporting victims’ families and determining how a festive evening turned into a national tragedy.
