BBC Breakfast’s Charlie Stayt shares sad update on d.e.aths caused by fire

BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt and Nina Warhurst reported on the devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans Montana ski resort on Friday’s show.

During the latest instalment of BBC Breakfast, hosts Charlie Stayt and Nina Warhurst, who had sparked viewer reaction earlier in the week, opened the show with news regarding the New Year’s Day fire at a ski resort.

Nina informed audiences that a vigil had been held at the renowned ski destination of Crans Montana in the Swiss Alps following a devastating blaze that ripped through a bar, claiming at least 40 lives and leaving 115 people injured.

Whilst the investigation into the fire’s cause continues, the BBC hosts passed over to correspondent Nick Johnson, who was reporting live from Crans-Montana to provide the latest developments on the inquiry.

Confirming the investigation remains active, Nick pointed out that forensic tents have been erected and emergency personnel are still on site, reports the Express.

Charlie Stayt

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Charlie Stayt and Nina Warhurst detailed the latest headlines to viewers(Image: BBC)

Charlie enquired about what officials had revealed concerning the identities of those still unaccounted for.

Nick responded: “They’ve made it very clear that it might take some time to formally identify people who have lost their lives due to the nature of their injuries and the number of people who were allegedly in the bar at the time.

“We know, from the Italian foreign ministry, that a number of its nationals are missing. We know from the French foreign ministry as well a number of its internationals are missing.”

A man in a coat standing outside with police tape in the background

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Nick was broadcasting live from Crans Montana(Image: BBC)

The inferno tore through Le Constellation, a popular bar, at 01:30 local time on the first day of 2026, when it was packed with revellers ringing in the New Year.

A total of thirteen helicopters, 42 ambulances and 150 emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene.

Switzerland’s President Guy Parmelin described the devastating fire as “one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced”.

A mix of red and white candles on the floor at a vigil

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The public held a vigil for those still missing from the fires(Image: BBC)

Meanwhile, on BBC Breakfast, Nick informed viewers that authorities have advised people to ‘manage’ their expectations regarding the identification of the deceased.

He stated: “We’ve heard it can take days or even weeks to formally identify those who were here and indeed those who are still missing.”