Swiss investigators are working urgently to identify around 40 victims of a catastrophic fire that tore through the basement bar Le Constellation during a packed New Year’s Eve celebration, in what is being described as one of the country’s worst modern tragedies.

The blaze left approximately 115 others injured, many seriously, overwhelming local hospitals and prompting transfers across Switzerland and into neighboring countries. Due to the severity of burns, identification could take days or weeks, with authorities relying on dental records and DNA analysis.

Families have issued desperate pleas for missing loved ones, while foreign embassies are checking on nationals. On Thursday night, residents held silent vigils, leaving flowers and candles near the cordoned-off site.

Survivors recounted scenes of panic—patrons smashing windows to escape, and burned individuals pouring into the streets. Witnesses suggested the fire may have started when sparklers on champagne bottles ignited the ceiling during a celebratory “show.” Officials, however, declined to speculate, ruling out an attack and calling the incident accidental.

Local leaders emphasized caution in communication: “Nothing can be told to families unless 100% sure,” said Mayor Nicolas Feraud and Valais canton head Mathias Reynard. President Guy Parmelin called the disaster a “calamity of unprecedented, terrifying proportions,” ordering flags at half-mast for five days.

The upscale resort town, known for skiing and golfing, has been left stunned, with many locals personally connected to victims or the bar itself. The EU offered medical aid, while France treated some of the injured and reported nine injured and eight unaccounted for. Italy confirmed about 15 injured and several missing.

Bar owners, reportedly French nationals from Corsica, are safe but currently unreachable. Investigators are examining safety standards and emergency exits as part of the probe.