UPDATE: Tragedy struck on New Year’s Day as Charlotte Niddam, a 15-year-old British teenager, has been confirmed among the 40 victims of a devastating fire at the Crans-Montana resort in Switzerland. This catastrophic incident occurred during the early hours of January 1, 2026, as revelers celebrated the new year.
The fire broke out at the resort’s Constellation bar, resulting in injuries to an additional 119 individuals. Initially reported missing, Charlotte’s family shared the heartbreaking news of her passing on social media on January 4, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of their “beautiful daughter and sister.”
Charlotte, a student at Immanuel College in Hertfordshire, was working as a childminder in the area when the tragedy struck. Her school community had been holding out hope for a miracle following the fire, emphasizing the emotional toll this incident has taken on the local community.
Valais regional police confirmed on January 4 that all 40 fatalities have now been identified. The victims included nationals from various countries, including Swiss, French, Italian, Portuguese, Belgian, British, and Israeli citizens. The final group of victims identified included two Swiss girls aged 15, a 22-year-old woman, and several others from different nationalities, underscoring the international tragedy of this incident.
Authorities have announced plans for a thorough investigation into the fire, including a review of safety measures at the venue. Officials are set to examine whether fire extinguishers and escape routes were adequate and will investigate if the sound-dampening material used on the ceiling met safety standards.
As the community mourns, Charlotte’s funeral is anticipated to take place in Paris later this week, providing a moment for family, friends, and classmates to honor her memory. This heartbreaking incident raises critical questions about safety protocols in public venues, and officials are under pressure to ensure that such a tragedy does not occur again.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation continues to develop.
