All 116 People Injured in Swiss Resort Fire Identified, Say Police

The joy of ringing in the New Year turned into unimaginable horror in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a deadly fire swept through a crowded bar in the early hours of January 1. Days after the incident, Swiss police have confirmed that all 116 people injured in the blaze have now been identified, bringing a measure of clarity to grieving families while deepening national and international concern over how such a tragedy could occur.

The fire, which broke out during New Year’s Eve celebrations at a popular underground bar, claimed the lives of 40 people and left dozens more with serious injuries. Many of the victims were young adults, both locals and international visitors, drawn to the Alpine resort for what was supposed to be a night of celebration and hope.

A Night That Changed Everything

According to authorities, the fire erupted shortly after 1:30 a.m., when the bar was packed with revelers. Early investigations suggest that sparklers attached to champagne bottles may have ignited highly flammable ceiling materials, causing the flames to spread at terrifying speed. Within moments, thick smoke filled the basement venue, leaving many patrons trapped and disoriented.

Survivors described scenes of panic as visibility dropped and exits became nearly impossible to reach. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the intensity of the fire and the confined space made rescue efforts extremely difficult.

Identification Brings Answers — and New Questions

In the days following the disaster, police worked around the clock with forensic teams to identify the injured. Some victims required DNA analysis due to the severity of their burns, making the process emotionally taxing for families who were desperate for news.

Officials initially reported a higher number of injured individuals, but after verification, the confirmed total stands at 116 people. Police say every injured person has now been formally identified and their families notified.

The victims represent a wide range of nationalities, reflecting Crans-Montana’s status as a global winter destination. Those injured include citizens from Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Australia, Portugal, and several other countries. This international dimension has prompted cooperation between governments and embassies, especially in cases where victims were transferred to hospitals abroad.

Hospitals Under Pressure

As of the latest updates, more than 80 injured victims remain hospitalised, many suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation. Switzerland’s air rescue service conducted continuous evacuation flights to transport patients to specialised burn units across Europe, highlighting the scale of the emergency.

Doctors have warned that recovery for some survivors will be long and painful, involving multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Beyond physical injuries, mental health professionals stress that psychological trauma may linger for years.

Investigations and Possible Accountability

Swiss prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation to determine whether negligence played a role in the fire. Bar operators and event organisers could face charges including involuntary homicide and causing bodily harm through negligence if safety failures are confirmed.

Adding to the scrutiny, reports have emerged suggesting the venue may not have undergone regular safety inspections in recent years. Authorities have acknowledged gaps in oversight, raising serious questions about enforcement of fire safety regulations — not only in this venue, but across nightlife establishments nationwide.

A parallel investigation has also been opened in France, underscoring the international significance of the tragedy.

Public Mourning and National Shock

Switzerland, a country not often associated with large-scale peacetime disasters, has been deeply shaken. Vigils and memorials have taken place across the country, with mourners laying flowers and lighting candles in honor of the victims.

Political leaders have expressed condolences and promised reforms. Many citizens are calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, particularly regarding indoor pyrotechnics and overcrowded venues.

The tragedy has also sparked broader conversations about youth culture, nightlife safety, and whether entertainment venues are doing enough to protect their patrons.

Lessons That Cannot Be Ignored

While identifying all injured victims marks an important step forward, it does not bring closure. Families continue to grieve, survivors face long roads to recovery, and investigators are still piecing together the events that led to one of Switzerland’s deadliest fires in decades.

What remains clear is that this tragedy was not just an accident — it was a systemic failure that exposed weaknesses in safety oversight and emergency preparedness. As the legal process unfolds, many hope it will lead to meaningful change rather than fading into yet another forgotten headline.

Final Thoughts

The confirmation that all 116 injured individuals have been identified offers a small measure of relief amid overwhelming loss. But the true legacy of the Crans-Montana fire will depend on what comes next.

If stronger regulations, better enforcement, and greater awareness emerge from this tragedy, then the lives lost may at least help prevent future disasters. Until then, the fire serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly celebration can turn into catastrophe — and how vital safety truly is.