Alpha News

Cran-Montana Tragedy: Teen Golfer Identified as First Victim

Published January 2, 2026, 13:29

A tragedy unfolded in Cran-Montana, Switzerland, resulting in the deaths of at least 47 people and injuries to over 100, mostly young people attending a New Year's Eve party. The first identified victim is 16-year-old Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini. Identifying the victims is challenging due to the severe burns they sustained, and authorities are using dental records and DNA to aid in the process. The fire appears to have started from fireworks ignited on champagne bottles, causing the ceiling's soundproofing materials to catch fire. Families of the missing are in despair, and Switzerland is in mourning. The investigation into the exact cause of the fire is ongoing.