UK Educated Teenager Confirmed Among Victims of Swiss Ski Resort Bar Fire

A teenage girl who had been educated in the United Kingdom has been confirmed as one of the victims who died in a devastating fire at a bar in a Swiss ski resort over the New Year period. The death of Charlotte Niddam was announced by her family, who said they were sharing the news with great sadness and would provide details of funeral arrangements at a later date.

Charlotte, believed to be 15 years old, had previously attended Immanuel College in Hertfordshire as well as the Jewish Free School in north west London. News of her death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from former classmates, teachers and members of the wider school communities, many of whom described her as bright, kind and full of promise.

The fire broke out in the early hours of New Year’s Day at a bar in the ski resort of Crans Montana, a popular destination for winter tourists in Switzerland. Emergency services were called to the scene, but the blaze spread rapidly through the venue, leaving little time for those inside to escape. Swiss authorities said the intensity of the fire and the enclosed nature of the space contributed to the high number of casualties.

On Sunday, officials in Switzerland confirmed that all 40 victims of the fire had now been formally identified. Investigators are continuing to examine the cause of the blaze, with early inquiries focusing on the building’s layout, safety measures and how the fire was able to spread so quickly. Authorities have said a full investigation is under way and that findings will be made public once the process is complete.

The UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed Charlotte’s death in a post on social media, expressing sympathy for her family and acknowledging the distressing nature of the tragedy. The Foreign Office said it has been providing consular support to British nationals affected by the incident and remains in close contact with Swiss authorities.

At Immanuel College and the Jewish Free School, staff have offered counselling and support to pupils and alumni struggling to process the loss. School representatives said the news had deeply affected those who knew Charlotte and that she would be remembered with affection and respect. Messages shared online reflected a sense of shock that someone so young could lose her life in such circumstances.

The tragedy has also reignited broader concerns about fire safety at busy holiday venues, particularly during peak travel periods when bars and restaurants are crowded. While Switzerland is known for strict safety standards, officials acknowledged that tragedies of this scale require careful examination to ensure lessons are learned.

For Charlotte’s family, friends and former teachers, the focus remains on remembering a young life cut short. As tributes continue to emerge, many have spoken about her future ambitions and the sense of loss felt across multiple communities in both the UK and Switzerland.

As investigations continue, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and to respect the privacy of the victims’ families. The incident has cast a sombre shadow over what is usually a festive season in alpine resorts, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly celebration can turn to tragedy.