Credited from: AA
Swiss police have confirmed the identity of all 40 victims who lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out during a New Year's party at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. Among the identified victims are two 15-year-old Swiss girls, a 22-year-old Swiss woman, and individuals from Italy, Romania, and Turkey, with ages ranging from 14 to 39 years old having been reported dead. The identification was completed after the authorities identified the final 16 victims on Sunday, marking a very tragic conclusion to the investigation, according to aa and Reuters.
The fire, which resulted in 40 fatalities and left 119 injured, is now considered one of the most tragic events in Swiss history. The casualties included a diverse group of individuals, reflecting the bar's mix of locals and tourists. Efforts to identify the injured individuals are ongoing, with many being transported to medical facilities across Europe for treatment, according to Al Jazeera and aa.
As investigations continue, authorities have announced that two bar managers are facing criminal charges for "negligent homicide, negligent personal injury, and negligent arson." These allegations arise as initial reports indicate that the fire was sparked by candles placed too close to the ceiling, leading to a rapid spread of flames, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.
The ongoing investigation and identification process are closely monitored by local authorities, reflecting the community's deep emotional response to this tragic event. Recovery efforts for the surviving victims, many of whom are in critical condition, continue across various hospitals, adding an urgent layer to the ongoing trauma faced by the families involved, as reported by aa and Al Jazeera.