Ex-JFS pupil Charlotte Niddam confirmed dead in fire at Swiss ski resort

Initial reports suggest that fire was caused by fireworks attached to champagne bottles, which ignited the bar’s wooden ceiling at around 1.30am on January 1.

Describing the breakout of the fire, local Chabad rabbi Yitzchak Levi Pevzner said: “We heard a huge explosion at night and immediately understood that something terrible had happened.

“Within a short time, the streets were filled with people, ambulances and rescue forces. It is a terrible disaster.”

“I’ve been receiving calls and messages from residents and friends in the community, asking how we are and hoping for good news.”

The rabbi continued: “We all mobilised and came here to help in any way possible.

“We pray for all the victims and stand alongside their families, offering them all the support they need during these difficult times.”

Charlotte’s family confirmed her death in a social media statement, adding that her funeral arrangements would be undertaken soon.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister Charlotte,” the family wrote on Facebook.

"Thank you for all your support those last few days.”

The teenager had reportedly been working as a babysitter in the area when the fire broke out.

United Synagogue said in a statement: “We are heartbroken by the tragedy in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana and in particular for the loss of our former member, Charlotte Niddam, who was one of the victims of the bar fire.

"Charlotte was Bat Mitzvah a few years ago at Bushey United Synagogue.”

Bushey's senior rebbetzen, Jacqueline Feldman, said: "Charlotte was such a warm, lively and loved young lady, surrounded by an amazing family and so many friends.

"We got to know the Niddam family during their time in Bushey and I remember so well preparing for Charlotte's Bat Mitzvah where she shared with our community in Hebrew, English and French how important it is to be grateful for all the small things in life and how much she enjoyed learning, and put effort into all that she did.

"She had so many friends, and we were so touched to see some of them in shul over Shabbat, where we all came together to hope and pray for a miracle. The incredible outpouring of prayers from thousands of people around the world in the last few days should bring comfort to the family and be an elevation for Charlotte's special soul.

"The world will simply not be as bright and beautiful without Charlotte and her gorgeous smile and we will all miss her dearly."

Alicia and Diana, meanwhile, were from an Italian family living in Switzerland and were reportedly active members of the Jewish community in nearby Laussane.

In a statement, the Jewish Community of Laussane said: “It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Alicia and Diana, who perished tragically in the fire.

"The community shares in the family’s grief and will stand by its side in whatever is required.”

Swiss police have opened an investigation into the bar’s owners, reportedly a French couple, focusing on whether the acoustic foam on the venue’s ceiling was “the cause of the problem,” and if it “complies with regulations,” according to Beatrice Pilloud, lead prosecutor of the Valais canton.