Turkish and Greek teenagers among victims of deadly New Year’s fire in Swiss ski resort

A devastating fire that tore through a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations has claimed the lives of dozens, including a Turkish-Swiss teenager and a Greek-Swiss girl, underscoring the international scale of one of Switzerland’s worst tragedies in recent history.

TAYLAN KAYA

Among the victims was Taylan Kaya, an 18-year-old Swiss citizen of Turkish origin. A resident of Sion and registered in population records in the village of Köseler in Türkiye’s Gaziantep province, Kaya died when the blaze engulfed the popular Constellation bar shortly before 1:30 a.m. on January 1. He was the son of Mehmet Kaya and Gülçin Çelik, according to Turkish media.

ALICE KALLERGIS

Also identified was Alice Kallergis, a 15-year-old dual Greek-Swiss citizen. Her death was confirmed by Swiss authorities and the Greek Foreign Ministry. Tributes poured in from her family, with her father sharing a poignant image of an angel bearing her name and her brother posting memories from their childhood, reflecting the deep personal grief left in the fire’s wake.

The tragedy unfolded as hundreds of mostly young revelers gathered to welcome the New Year at the basement venue, which was reportedly near or over capacity. Witnesses described scenes of terror as flames spread rapidly, forcing people to smash windows in desperate attempts to escape, while burn victims flooded into the icy streets outside.

Investigators believe the fire may have started when sparklers—often mounted on champagne bottles as part of a staff presentation—were held too close to the ceiling. Authorities have ruled out an attack, but a criminal investigation is under way to determine whether safety regulations were breached. Two people responsible for running the bar are being investigated on suspicion of negligent homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire.

The blaze killed around 40 to 47 people, with teenagers making up more than half of the victims. Those who died came from multiple countries, including Switzerland, France, Italy, Greece, Türkiye, Romania, Portugal, Belgium, and beyond, highlighting Crans-Montana’s status as a global destination. More than 100 people were injured, many suffering severe burns, and dozens were transferred to specialized clinics across Switzerland and neighboring European countries.

Switzerland has been gripped by mourning. Silent processions, candlelight vigils, and church services have taken place in Crans-Montana, attended by hundreds. Condolences have arrived from around the world, including a message from Pope Leo XIV expressing compassion for the victims’ families. Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the disaster as “a calamity of unprecedented, terrifying proportions” and announced a national day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and a minute’s silence observed nationwide.

As authorities continue the painstaking process of investigation and remembrance, the deaths of Taylan Kaya and Alice Kallergis stand as painful reminders of young lives cut short, uniting communities across borders in shared grief.