Switzerland identifies 24 victims of fire in Crans Montana resort
Swiss law enforcement officials have identified 24 of the 40 people who died in a massive fire at the Le Constellation bar in the Crans Montana ski resort on New Year's Eve. This was reported by the police on 4 January, DW.
Many of the identified victims are minors. Citizens of Switzerland and Italy, as well as persons with dual citizenship of Italy and the United Arab Emirates, were killed. There are also 18-year-old Romanian and Turkish citizens and a 39-year-old Frenchman. The youngest victim, a Swiss girl, was 14 years old.
The number of victims is 119 people. More than 70 of them are Swiss citizens, while French, Italians, Serbs and representatives of other countries were also injured. Identification of the bodies is complicated by severe burns, which is why investigators are forced to use DNA analysis.
The cause of the fire has not been determined. Investigators are checking the version of the fire caused by sparklers on the ceiling and the bar's compliance with fire safety rules. Two French bar owners are suspected of negligent homicide. President Guy Parmelin declared 9 January a day of national mourning.
