A teenager who was educated in the United Kingdom has been confirmed as one of the 40 people who died in a catastrophic fire at a Swiss ski resort bar during New Year celebrations.
A Community in Mourning After New Year's Tragedy
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, 1 January 2026, at the Le Constellation bar in the popular resort of Crans-Montana. The blaze claimed 40 lives and left more than 100 people injured, many of them young revellers ringing in the New Year.
Swiss authorities have now confirmed that all of the deceased have been formally identified. Among them is Charlotte Niddam, believed to be 15 years old, who previously attended Immanuel College, a private school in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
Her heartbroken family announced her death in a social media post, stating: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Charlotte." They indicated her funeral would likely be held in Paris later that week.
Silent March in Sub-Zero Temperatures
On Sunday 4 January, hundreds of mourners braved temperatures of -10°C to pay their respects during a moving memorial service. A mass was held at the Chapelle Saint-Christophe, led by Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey of Sion, before a silent procession walked up the hill to the site of the destroyed bar.
Emergency service workers, including firefighters who attended the blaze, were among those who gathered. Reverend Gilles Cavin addressed the congregation, speaking of the "terrible uncertainty" endured by families in the aftermath.
The victims, many of whom were in their teens to mid-20s, came from several nations. Those publicly named include:
- Benjamin Johnson, a young boxer hailed as a hero for trying to aid a friend.
- Tristan Pidoux, another teenager.
- Italian teenagers Emanuele Galeppini, 17, and Chiara Costanzo, 16.
- Swiss 16-year-old Arthur Brodard, whose mother said he had "left to party in paradise."
Police confirmed the identified victims also included several children: two 15-year-old girls, a 14-year-old, and two 16-year-old boys from Italy, among others from Switzerland, France, Romania, Turkey, and a dual Italian-Emirati national.
Ongoing Investigation into the Cause
Authorities stated the identification process was exceptionally difficult due to the severity of the fire. The criminal investigation into the cause is ongoing, with a focus on champagne sparklers lit inside the venue and the ceiling foam, as well as the location and quality of the emergency exits.
The two managers of Le Constellation bar are under criminal investigation as part of the probe. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the international communities affected, particularly in the UK where Charlotte Niddam was known and loved.
