In brief
Emergency services reported that all 116 individuals injured in the fire at a Swiss ski resort have been identified. The incident occurred on New Year's Eve, resulting in 40 fatalities among individuals aged 14 to 39, with many still receiving treatment for severe burns. Investigations are ongoing regarding the management of the bar and potential safety violations, as it has been suggested that sparklers may have ignited acoustic foam in the establishment.
All 116 people injured in a bar fire at a Swiss ski resort have now been identified, officials have said.
Forty people were killed when a fire tore through a busy venue in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, with victims' ages ranging from 14 to 39 years old.
While the deceased had all been previously identified, work was ongoing to establish the identities of the injured, some of whom remain in critical condition.
Swiss police confirmed on Monday that 83 people remained in hospital, with the injured including individuals from at least 12 different nationalities. Most of the injured suffered severe burns, making identification difficult.
Investigators initially reported that 119 people had been injured, but that number has been revised down in the latest update. A criminal investigation has been launched into the French couple who managed the Le Constellation bar, a venue popular with the younger crowd in the ski resort town, where the drinking age is 16.
Preliminary investigations suggest that sparklers on bottles being carried too close to the ceiling likely caused the fire. Beatrice Pilloud, the lead prosecutor of the Valais canton, emphasized that they are also examining whether the acoustic foam on the ceiling of the venue was in compliance with safety regulations.
Among the deceased are Charlotte Niddam, believed to be 15, a pupil at two UK schools, whose family shared their grief on social media. The mother of Arthur Brodard, 16, confirmed his death, expressing her sorrow in a heartfelt video message. Additionally, Emanuele Galeppini, a junior golfer aged 16, was identified as one of the victims, and the Italian Golf Federation paid tribute to him for his youthful passion for the sport.
