A 15-year-old former British schoolgirl has been confirmed as one of the victims of a catastrophic fire that swept through a popular Swiss ski resort bar on New Year's Day.
Tragedy Strikes New Year Celebrations
Charlotte Niddam was among the 40 people who lost their lives in the blaze at the Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana resort. The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, 1 January 2026, as hundreds of revellers were welcoming the new year. At least 119 other people were injured in the incident.
Charlotte, who had been working as a babysitter in the area, was initially listed as missing following the outbreak of the fire. Her family confirmed the tragic news in a social media post on Sunday, 4 January.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister Charlotte," the statement read. Her funeral is expected to be held in Paris later this week.
Victims Identified and International Mourning
Valais regional police confirmed on Sunday that all 40 victims of the fire have now been formally identified. The final list of 16 victims released by officials included nationals from several countries, highlighting the international scale of the tragedy.
The victims included:
- Two Swiss girls aged 15
- A 22-year-old Swiss woman
- Swiss and French women, both aged 24
- Italian teenagers aged 16 and 15
- A 16-year-old Italian boy
- A 22-year-old Portuguese woman
- A 17-year-old Belgian girl
- French adults and teenagers aged between 14 and 33
- A 15-year-old girl holding French, British, and Israeli nationalities
Charlotte was a pupil at Immanuel College in Hertfordshire. The school issued a statement saying it was "praying for a miracle" in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Safety Review and Ongoing Investigation
Swiss authorities have announced a major review of safety measures at the venue in the wake of the disaster. Officials stated they will scrutinise key aspects including the availability and condition of fire extinguishers and the adequacy of escape routes.
A specific focus of the investigation will be whether the sound-absorbing material installed on the ceiling of the bar complied with current fire safety regulations. This material is often used in entertainment venues but must meet strict flammability standards.
The devastating event has cast a shadow over the renowned ski resort and prompted a wider discussion about safety protocols in alpine tourist destinations during peak holiday periods.
