Swiss authorities work to identify victims after deadly New Year’s Eve bar fire
Swiss investigators on Friday were working to identify victims of a deadly fire that swept through a packed New Year’s Eve party at the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing about 40 people and injuring more than 100, many critically.
Officials said identification could take days because of the severity of burns, with dental records and DNA being used. The first victim publicly identified was 16-year-old Italian international golfer Emanuele Galeppini, who lived in Dubai.
Authorities said all bodies have been recovered and stressed the blaze is not being treated as an attack. A criminal investigation has been opened to determine the cause and assess compliance with safety regulations. Prosecutors said the leading theory points to a rapid fire and deflagration, possibly sparked by sparklers or candles igniting the ceiling.
Parents of missing youths appealed for information as the mostly young crowd was affected.
Italian officials said 13 Italians are hospitalized and six remain missing, while France confirmed at least one of its nationals was among the dead. Several critically injured victims have been transferred to specialist burn units in France, Germany and Italy.
The tragedy has shaken the resort community, with residents gathering to lay flowers and light candles near the destroyed bar. Swiss President Guy Parmelin praised emergency responders, calling the scenes they faced “indescribable.”
