Four days after a catastrophic fire tore through a Swiss bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations, Valais cantonal police confirmed all 40 people who died have now been positively identified.
On Sunday, January 4, authorities said the final 16 victims had been identified through a combination of forensic analysis, dental records, DNA testing, and other methods.
The process was described as particularly challenging due to the severe burns many victims sustained, making initial recognition impossible in numerous cases.
The disaster claimed the lives of 40 people, with 119 others injured. Many suffered life-threatening burns requiring urgent transfer to specialist burn units across Switzerland and neighbouring France, Germany, and Italy.
Among the deceased are 21 minors, with the victims ranging in age from 14 to 39.
Police counted a total of 21 Swiss citizens, nine French citizens (including one Franco-Swiss dual national), one person with triple nationality (France, Israel, and United Kingdom), six Italians (including an Italian-UAE dual citizen), and one national each from Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey, according to a statement.
The first victim identified was the 16-year old Italian Emanuele Galeppini.
Stefan Ivanović , a 31-year-old bouncer with dual Serbian-Swiss nationality, died after repeatedly running in and out of the fire, and saving several lives.
On Sunday, hundreds of residents and visitors took part in a silent procession through the streets of Crans-Montana following a memorial Mass at the Chapelle Saint-Christophe.
Mourners gathered at a makeshift memorial near the sealed-off bar, leaving flowers, candles, teddy bears, and messages in tribute to the young lives lost.
Many locals spoke of the bar’s popularity among teenagers and young adults, drawn by its affordable drinks and lively atmosphere.
A criminal investigation remains ongoing, with an inquiry opened against the bar’s French managers. The couple, who have run the venue for several years, faced possible charges of homicide by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
The probe is examining compliance with fire safety regulations, including escape routes, ventilation systems, use of non-flammable materials, and permissions for indoor pyrotechnics.
The fire erupted shortly after 1:30 AM on January 1 in the basement area of the popular bar and nightclub in the upscale Valais ski resort.
Preliminary findings from the prosecutor’s office indicate the blaze was most likely sparked by “fountain” sparklers (sparkling candles) attached to champagne bottles being held aloft too close to the ceiling, igniting flammable acoustic foam or panels.
One of the bar’s co-owners previously said “everything was done according to the rules”.
In response to the tragedy, Swiss President Guy Parmelin has declared Friday, January 9, a national day of mourning.
Flags on federal buildings will fly at half-mast, church bells across the country will ring at 2:00 PM for a minute of silence, and an official commemoration ceremony will take place in Crans-Montana, attended by the President and other senior officials. The day is intended to allow the entire nation to reflect and honour the victims.
This is 16 seconds on Jan 1st, at the bar in Switzerland.
That ceiling fire isn’t “flames.”
It’s burning polyurethane gas.
That’s why the air disappears.If you see fire — leave immediately.#FireSafety #PublicSafety pic.twitter.com/2GL7kNqkCw
— Bangkok Community Help Foundation 🇹🇭 (@BKK_community) January 3, 2026
