What was meant to be a joyful New Year’s celebration in the Swiss Alps turned into one of the country’s deadliest peacetime tragedies in years.
In the early hours of January 1, a fire ripped through Le Constellation bar in the luxury ski resort town of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people and injuring at least 119 more.
The blaze spread with terrifying speed after sparklers placed inside champagne bottles reportedly ignited the low ceiling of the packed venue.
Within moments, the basement bar was filled with smoke and flames, leaving dozens trapped inside.
Authorities have now confirmed the identities of all 40 victims — and what has shocked many is just how young so many of them were.
A Young Racing Talent Lost Too Soon
Among those who died was 18-year-old Joaquim van Thuyne, a rising Swiss karting driver known for both his talent and his gentle personality.
The International Automobile Federation released a statement expressing deep sorrow at his death, remembering Joaquim as a committed and passionate young racer with a bright future ahead of him.
He had already made his mark in competitive karting, including strong performances in national events such as the X30 Challenge Switzerland.
Joaquim was also a member of the Swiss Hutless racing team and played junior football with FC Lutry — he had been celebrating the New Year with friends from his football club when the fire broke out.
To those who knew him, he wasn’t just a promising athlete. He was someone who brought warmth, kindness, and quiet professionalism into every space he entered.
A Boxer Who Became a Hero in His Final Moments
Another heartbreaking loss was 18-year-old Benjamin Johnson, a young boxer training with the Lausanne Boxing Club.
According to witnesses, Benjamin died while trying to rescue a friend from the flames. His actions likely saved her life.
The Swiss Boxing Federation called him a hero, saying his final act reflected the person he always was — someone who put others before himself.
In their tribute, they described his death as “the ultimate act of altruism,” and said his bravery would not be forgotten.
Teenagers and Young Athletes Among the Victims
The tragedy claimed the lives of several other young people whose futures were only just beginning.
Fifteen-year-old Charlotte Niddam, a student with ties to schools in both Hertfordshire and north-west London, was also among those who died. Her death has deeply affected school communities in both Switzerland and the UK.
Italian media also confirmed the death of 16-year-old Emanuele Galeppini, a promising young golfer remembered by the Italian Golf Federation as someone who played with passion, discipline, and strong values.
In total, Swiss police say more than half of those who died were aged 18 or younger — a statistic that has made this tragedy even harder to comprehend.
The Investigation Turns to the Club’s Owners
Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the bar’s French owners, Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica. Prosecutors are examining whether negligence played a role in the fire and whether safety regulations were ignored.
The investigation includes potential charges such as manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm, and arson through recklessness. Officials are focusing on fire safety compliance, ceiling materials, overcrowding, and the decision to use sparklers indoors.
For now, the legal process is ongoing, and authorities say it may take months before final conclusions are reached.
A Community in Mourning
Across Switzerland and beyond, the tragedy has left families shattered, schools grieving, and sporting communities in deep shock.
Clubs, federations, and classmates have shared messages of loss, remembrance, and heartbreak. Vigils have been held, flags lowered, and moments of silence observed.
While investigations continue and questions remain unanswered, one thing is already clear — dozens of young lives were lost in a matter of minutes, and the emotional impact will last far longer than the flames did.
This was not just a fire. It was a national trauma, and a generation of families will now carry that pain forward.
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