The death toll from a devastating fire at a New Year’s Eve bar in Switzerland has climbed to 40, with authorities warning it could rise as high as 47 as investigations continue.
The blaze erupted around 2 a.m. on January 1, rapidly engulfing the crowded venue in the canton of Valais. Initial reports suggest the fire may have originated from sparklers or sparkling candles placed on champagne bottles, which were positioned too close to the ceiling, igniting flammable materials.
In the aftermath, 119 people were reported injured, with many remaining in critical condition. Approximately 50 of the hospitalized victims have been transferred to medical facilities in neighboring EU countries for specialized treatment. The identification of the deceased and injured is ongoing, adding to the somber atmosphere surrounding the tragedy.
Police Commander Frédéric Gisler confirmed that 113 of the 119 injured individuals have been formally identified. Among them, 71 are Swiss nationals, 14 French, 11 Italians, four Serbs, one Bosnian, one Belgian, one from Luxembourg, one Polish, and one Portuguese. An additional 14 injured have unknown nationalities, and Gisler noted that these figures are subject to change. The formal identification process for the remaining six is still underway.
Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud addressed the suspected cause during a press briefing, stating that “everything leads us to think” the fire stemmed from the mishandling of celebratory sparklers on champagne bottles. While the exact circumstances are under investigation, she emphasized that the proximity to the ceiling likely played a critical role in the rapid spread of the flames.
A photo was shared on social media claiming the source of the fire: This Swiss ski resort bar fire is so incredibly sad.
In response to the disaster, Swiss authorities have declared January 9 as a national day of mourning. An official ceremony is planned to pay tribute to the victims and honor their memory.
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