Major update as first four victims of Swiss ski resort fire identified | World | News

The first four victims of a fire at a Swiss resort have been identified. Authorities confirmed the deaths of two Swiss women, aged 21 and 16, and two Swiss men, aged 18 and 16. Police said the bodies were handed over to their families. The latest figures show 47 people died and more than 115 were injured after a fire broke out at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

While families and friends cannot locate their loved ones after the fire, investigators continue to search for the victims. The Forensic Medicine Institute conducted a “comprehensive” investigation, enabling the bodies to be identified and handed over to the families.

While their names have not yet been released, Swiss police added that no further details would be released out of respect for the families.

The cause of the fire is being investigated, but authorities and eyewitnesses claimed that the flames spread as a result of sparklers in champagne bottles touching the ceiling.

According to a doctor at the University Hospital of Geneva, a large number of patients treated for third-degree burns remain hospitalized in Switzerland; some as young as 15 years old.

It was stated that 17-year-old Emanuele Galeppini from Italy was one of the victims who died in the tragic fire.

Genoa’s Galeppini became the first victim to be identified after the Italian Golf Federation paid tribute to the promising young golfer.

They describe him as “a young athlete who embodies passion and genuine values” and add: “At this time of great sadness, our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved him.”

Swiss President Guy Parmelin, in his statement after the fire, said that the fire was one of the worst tragedies the country has experienced.