Swiss authorities have identified the first four victims of a deadly fire that erupted at the Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Regional police said on Saturday that the victims—a 16-year-old boy and girl, an 18-year-old man, and a 21-year-old woman—have been returned to their families.

Authorities are continuing the process of identifying other injured and deceased individuals. The severity of the burns and destruction of personal belongings, including wallets and identification, has made identification difficult. Families have been asked to provide DNA samples to assist officials, with many relying on social media to locate missing relatives.

“The priority today is truly placed on identification, in order to allow the families to begin their mourning,” said Beatrice Pilloud, attorney general for Switzerland’s Valais region. Italian psychologist Elvira Venturella, working with the families, described the anguish caused by the uncertainty. “It destroys people’s stability. The more time passes, the more difficult it becomes to accept not having information,” she said.

One parent, Laetitia Brodard from Lausanne, recounted her last exchange with her son via text just after midnight: “Happy New Year, mom, I love you,” he wrote. She replied, “Happy New Year, big guy, have a good time.”

The fire is believed to have started when sparklers placed in champagne bottles ignited highly flammable polyurethane foam on the ceiling. Early reports indicate that 113 of the 119 injured people have been identified. Many victims sustained burns over more than 70 percent of their bodies, and some suffered severe smoke inhalation.

Swiss authorities are coordinating international medical support for those seriously injured. Several patients have been transferred to hospitals in Germany, with additional transfers planned to France, Italy, and Belgium. Many victims face extended treatment schedules, often requiring multiple surgeries every other day.

Fire safety and building design have come under scrutiny. Eyewitnesses described a dangerous crush on a narrow staircase leading from the basement bar to the ground floor. A bartender reported that the venue had only one main entrance and one emergency exit, which was blocked during prior visits. Fire experts have confirmed that sound-absorbing polyurethane foam is highly flammable and produces dense, toxic smoke, significantly reducing escape time.

Authorities are investigating safety compliance, building materials, evacuation routes, and potential criminal liability for survivors or staff. Videos and photos from the scene show revelers holding fireworks in champagne bottles, which may have triggered the blaze. While officials are considering charges such as negligent arson or involuntary manslaughter, no evidence of criminal intent has been confirmed so far.

The tragedy at Le Constellation remains one of Switzerland’s deadliest recent fires, with officials working to identify all victims, support families, and investigate the circumstances of the disaster.