Replay: Watch Swiss authorities' update on the deadly Crans-Montana fire • FRANCE 24 English

Press Conference Regarding the Fire at La Constellles, Cran Montana – Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• DVI (Disaster Victim Identification): A Swiss structure utilizing forensic science and international protocols for identifying victims of disasters.
• OCVS: Organization for Civil Protection and Emergency Services – the Swiss emergency response organization.
• Antemortem Data: Information collected before death, used for identification (e.g., dental records, clothing descriptions).
• Postmortem Data: Information collected after death, used for identification (e.g., fingerprints, DNA).
• Flashover: A near-instantaneous ignition of all combustible materials in an enclosed space.
• Triage: The process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries.
• Katamat oford: National network for disaster management.
• 144: Swiss emergency medical services number.

I. Introduction & Conference Structure

The press conference, held at the Seon Hospital, addressed the tragic fire at La Constellles in Cran Montana, Switzerland, described as one of the deadliest in Swiss history. The conference featured a panel including: Eric Bova (Director General, Valley Hospital), Rainar Matias (State Head of Health & Social Affairs), Stefan Ganzer (Head of Security), Beatriice Bio (Prosecutor General), Frederick Gesler (Chief of Police), Lieutenant Colonel Kertoan Lenin (Head of Judicial Police), Dr. Freddy Michelle Roten (OCVS), and Professor Dr. Eric Bova (Director General of the Valet Hospital).

Prosecutor General Beatriice Bio outlined the conference structure: statements from the President of the State Council (Matias Renar), the Chief of Police (Gesler), the Prosecutor General (Bio), Lieutenant Colonel Lenin (victim identification), Stefan Ganzer (security), Matias Renar (healthcare), Dr. Roten (emergency services), and Professor Bova (hospital situation), followed by a Q&A session.

II. Expressions of Sympathy & Initial Response (Matias Renar)

President Matias Renar expressed deep sympathy to the victims, injured, and those awaiting news. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting families and identifying victims quickly. He highlighted the remarkable cooperation between the Valet hospital and other cantons, specifically mentioning the Lausanne hospital taking over 20 patients. International solidarity was also noted, with offers of support from bordering countries like France and Italy.

• Flags at Half-Mast: An order was issued to fly Swiss flags at half-mast both nationally and internationally.
• International Cooperation: French Healthcare Minister Maurice offered support for injured transfers and provided specialized doctors. Italian Foreign Minister Tini visited Cran Montana and offered to treat injured patients in Northern Italy.
• Transfer of Patients: Approximately 50 patients were planned for transfer to specialized burn centers.
• Hospital Staff: Renar acknowledged the dedication of hospital staff who sacrificed their Christmas holidays to provide care.

III. Victim Identification & Statistics (Frederick Gesler & Lieutenant Colonel Lenin)

Chief of Police Frederick Gesler reported that approximately 160 people were affected by the fire. Lieutenant Colonel Lenin provided detailed statistics on the victims:

• Injured: 119 individuals were injured, with 113 formally identified. Identification procedures were ongoing for the remaining six.
• Nationalities of Injured: 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italian, 4 Serbian, 1 Bosnian, 1 Belgian, 1 Luxembourgish, 1 Polish, 1 Portuguese, and 14 of unknown nationality.
• Deceased: 40 confirmed deaths, with identification underway.
• International Collaboration for Identification: Antemortem data collection was initiated with Switzerland, Italy, France, Portugal, Serbia, Turkey, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• DVI Protocol: The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) protocol, aligned with Interpol recommendations, was being followed meticulously to ensure accurate identification.
• Family Support: Each family was assigned a police liaison to provide support throughout the identification process.

IV. Investigation Findings (Beatriice Bio)

Prosecutor General Beatriice Bio announced an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from candles or sparklers ignited on champagne bottles, placed too close to the ceiling, causing a flashover.

• Evidence: The investigation relied on video analysis, witness statements from surviving attendees and managers, and information regarding bar renovations and capacity.
• Potential Charges: If negligence is established, potential charges include arson by negligence, homicide through negligence, and causing harm through negligence.
• Forensic Analysis: The Zurich Forensic Institute was commissioned to analyze the fire’s origin and contributing factors.

V. Security & Emergency Response (Stefan Ganzer, Dr. Freddy Michelle Roten)

Stefan Ganzer outlined the security priorities: supporting families, identifying victims, and establishing the facts of the incident. He highlighted the unprecedented level of support from federal and international agencies, including the Federal Police and the Zurich Forensic Institute.

Dr. Freddy Michelle Roten detailed the OCVS emergency response:

• Triage & Transport: A pre-triage system was implemented to prioritize patients based on injury severity, followed by transport to appropriate medical facilities.
• Hospital Capacity: Hospitals increased capacity to accommodate the influx of patients.
• Ambulance & Helicopter Support: 41 ambulances (22 from Vaud Canton) and 13 helicopters (including international support from France and Italy) were deployed.
• Personnel: Approximately 150 healthcare workers, including ambulance personnel, doctors, and psychologists, were involved in the response.
• Psychological Support: Emergency psychologists were deployed to support patients, families, and responders.
• Patient Transfers: Patients were being transferred to specialized burn centers in Switzerland and neighboring countries (Germany, France, Italy, Belgium).

VI. Hospital Situation & Future Steps (Professor Dr. Eric Bova)

Professor Dr. Eric Bova described the Valet hospital’s response, emphasizing the dedication of staff who worked through the holidays. He noted the hospital’s specialization in treating severe injuries and the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality during the stabilization phase.

• Memorial Ceremony: A memorial ceremony will be held in Cran Montana on January 9, 2026, to allow the community to grieve collectively.
• Book of Condolences: A book of condolences will be available on the Confederation’s website starting the following day.

VII. Conclusion

The press conference concluded with a reiteration of support for the victims and their families, and a commitment to a thorough investigation. The speakers emphasized the unprecedented level of solidarity and cooperation demonstrated by emergency services, hospitals, and international partners in responding to this tragedy. The focus remains on victim identification, providing medical care, and supporting those affected by this devastating event.