A 15-year-old girl of Greek descent who holds dual Greek and Swiss citizenship and lives permanently in Switzerland is among those reported missing after a deadly fire at a bar in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana.

The blaze erupted in the early hours of New Year’s Day at Le Constellation, a popular venue where revelers were celebrating the arrival of 2026.  Authorities said Thursday afternoon that 40 people have died in the blaze. At least 119 people were injured, many with severe burns. Many of the victims were young people, and several were visiting from other countries.

According to the latest information, the missing teenager is Alice Kallergis. Reports say she was at the bar with friends when it was engulfed in flames. There has been no official update on her fate so far, and three friends who were with her at the time are also reported missing.

Her brother has issued a public appeal on social media for information, saying the family has had no news since the fire broke out.

“My 15-year-old sister, Aliki Kallergi, is missing. We have no information since the fire at a bar in Crans-Montana,” he wrote. “If you have seen her or know whether she has been taken to a medical facility, please contact me. Please share this message as widely as possible. She was with three friends, who are also missing.”

Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities or nationalities of all the victims.

Death Toll and Identification Efforts

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Mathias Reynard, president of the Valais region, said the figures were “stunning” and confirmed that 40 people had died. He offered condolences to the victims’ families and said many injured people remain in critical condition.

Police commander Frédéric Gisler said formal identification of the victims is the top priority. Of the 119 injured, 113 have already been formally identified, while identification of the remaining six is ongoing. The identification of the deceased is expected to take time and involves coordination with several countries.

Pierre-Antoine Lengen, head of the Swiss Judicial Police, said nearly all cantonal police forces are being mobilized. Authorities are also using Switzerland’s Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) system, a specialized structure involving police, forensic experts, doctors and dentists.

“No mistakes can be permitted,” Lengen said. “We need to return the correct remains to families.”

Cause of the Fire

Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said all evidence currently points to the fire starting from sparkling candles or sparklers attached to champagne bottles that were raised too close to the ceiling. From there, the blaze spread extremely quickly.

Videos from inside the bar have been analyzed, and numerous witnesses have been interviewed. Investigators stressed that the inquiry is ongoing and that final conclusions will take time. Authorities have ruled out terrorism.

International Medical Transfers

Reynard said around 50 injured people have been transferred or will soon be transferred to specialized burn centers across Europe. Transfers have already taken place to hospitals in France and Italy, with specialized doctors supporting medical teams in Valais.

Italy’s foreign minister traveled to Switzerland on Thursday, and Reynard said they met with families from the Italian community affected by the tragedy. French health authorities have also pledged continued support.

Italy has reported that approximately 15 Italian visitors were injured, some with severe burns covering 30–40% of their bodies, and several remain missing. France confirmed six injured citizens and eight missing, with some already receiving treatment in French hospitals.

Eyewitness Accounts

Survivors described chaotic scenes as the fire spread. Many were trapped in the narrow staircase leading out of the underground bar, while others attempted to rescue those inside. Videos circulating online show panicked patrons fleeing and flames quickly engulfing the space. Greek visitor Kelly Diolatzis described the crowd as “extreme” with thousands of young people from various countries, and recounted fireworks being used dangerously inside the bar during the New Year celebrations.

Reynard announced that a public ceremony will be held in Crans-Montana on Friday, Jan. 9, allowing residents and visitors to gather and mourn together. A digital book of condolences will go online Saturday for people wishing to leave messages of support. Flags will remain at half-staff for five days as Switzerland observes a period of national mourning.

 The federal government has declared a five-day period of mourning. Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the incident “one of the most traumatic events in Switzerland’s history,” honoring the young lives lost.

The European Commission confirmed it is coordinating with Swiss authorities to provide medical assistance. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity, offering treatment for victims in French hospitals and praising the efforts of rescue teams.

Le Constellation, opened in 2015, had a capacity of up to 300 inside and 40 on a heated terrace. Both owners, a couple of French origin, are reported to be alive.

People have laid candles and flowers near the Le Constellation bar, where a devastating fire left dead and injured during the New Year’s celebrations in Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/ Antonio Calanni)