Crans-Montana, Switzerland – Swiss authorities have identified the first four victims of the devastating New Year’s Eve bar fire at a ski resort in Crans-Montana, which claimed 40 lives and injured 119 others.
Valais canton police confirmed the victims include a 21-year-old woman, an 18-year-old man, and two 16-year-old minors—a girl and a boy. Their bodies have been returned to their families as investigations continue to identify the remaining victims.
Authorities stated that all bodies have now been removed from the bar. Police remain on site to investigate the cause of the fire, which officials said is being treated as an accident, not an attack.
Preliminary findings suggest that sparklers ignited a foam-clad ceiling, sparking the deadly blaze. Investigators have focused on party candles after reviewing mobile phone footage and interviewing survivors. The bar owner has maintained that all safety standards were followed.
The tragedy has shaken the Swiss Alps community, as officials continue to determine the full circumstances that led to the catastrophic fire.
