The Italian Golf Federation confirmed 17-year-old Emanuele Galeppini as the first publicly named victim of the New Year’s fire at Le Constellation in Crans‑Montana. Authorities reported 40 dead and 119 injured, with 113 injured identified; five deceased remain unidentifed. Investigators say sparklers placed on champagne bottles likely ignited the blaze and a possible explosion was reported; no arrests have been made and inquiries are ongoing.
17-Year-Old Italian Golfer Emanuele Galeppini Named Among Dead After Crans‑Montana New Year’s Blaze
Federazione Italiana Golf/InstagramEmanuele Galeppini
The Italian Golf Federation has confirmed that 17-year-old junior golf prospect Emanuele Galeppini was the first publicly named victim of the fatal New Year’s fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans‑Montana, Switzerland.
Federation Statement: In an Instagram post the federation said it 'mourns the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried passion and authentic values with him,' and shared a black-and-white portrait overlaid with the words 'Ciao Emanuele.' Authorities and sports organizations have expressed condolences to his family and friends.
MAXIME SCHMID / AFP via GettyAuthorities are pictured at the scene after a fire broke out at a bar in the Swiss Alps on Jan. 1, 2026
Updated Toll and Nationalities
Officials said at a Jan. 2 news conference that 40 people died and 119 were injured in the blaze. Of the injured, 113 individuals have been identified; their reported nationalities include 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italians, 4 Serbians, 1 Bosnian, 1 Belgian, 1 Polish, 1 Portuguese and 1 person from Luxembourg. The nationalities of 14 injured remain unknown. Authorities report five deceased victims remain unidentified.
What Investigators Say
Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud told reporters investigators believe the fire began after sparklers were placed on champagne bottles that were moved too close to the ceiling, igniting a blaze that spread rapidly. Authorities have analyzed video footage and interviewed witnesses; a possible explosion inside the venue has also been reported. Officials say there are no arrests and no named suspect at this stage, and one fire service member described the incident as an accident.
MAXIME SCHMID / AFP via GettyAuthorities are pictured at the scene after a fire broke out at a bar in the Swiss Alps on Jan. 1, 2026
Scenes Inside the Bar
Survivors described chaotic, terrifying scenes as crowds rushed toward limited exits. Seventeen-year-old Laetitia Place told Reuters she and others were caught in a crush at a narrow doorway: 'We all fell, we were piled on top of each other, some people were burning, and some were dead next to us.' Another survivor, Samuel Rapp, described stumbling past people lying on the floor and seeing others trampled as they attempted to escape.
Authorities' Priorities
Pierre‑Antoine Lengen, head of the Swiss Judicial Police, said identifying the victims is the 'absolute priority' and emphasized the need for meticulous work to return remains to families correctly. Emergency services from the canton and federal agencies continue to treat the injured and support families while forensic and investigative work proceeds.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the event 'a drama of unknown scale' and extended his deepest condolences to the victims, the injured and their families.
National and international outlets including ANSA, BBC, Sky News, AFP and Reuters are reporting developments as authorities release new details. Community groups and sports organizations have issued messages of sympathy while authorities urge the public to respect families and the ongoing investigation.
Note: Numbers and details reflect the most recent official statements available at the time of publication and may change as investigations continue.
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