Authorities Identify 16 Additional Victims of Crans-Montana Bar Fire

Authorities Identify 16 Additional Victims

The Swiss police announced the identification of 16 more victims from the fire that broke out at a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. The youngest victim was a 14-year-old Swiss girl, with nine victims in total being under the age of 18. The group includes citizens from Switzerland, Italy, Romania, Turkey, and France. These identifications raise the total number of deceased from the fire to 24, according to authorities.

On Saturday, eight Swiss citizens were identified. A criminal investigation has been launched against the operators of the bar “Le Constellation,” while the families of the victims anxiously await information about those still considered missing. The police have stated that no further details about the victims will be provided out of respect for the relatives.

A preliminary report suggests that the fire was ignited by fireworks being too close to the ceiling during New Year’s celebrations. The devastating blaze led to at least 40 deaths and injured another 119 individuals. Many of the deceased and missing are teenagers. “Le Constellation” was a popular spot for youth in the mountain resort, where the minimum drinking age is 16. The eight identified on Saturday were aged between 16 and 24, according to Swiss authorities.

Italy’s ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, stated that the identification process is slow due to the severity of the burns suffered by many of the victims. The French couple who owned the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily injury, and negligence regarding fire safety, as per the prosecutor’s office in the Valais region. Beatrice Pilloud, the chief prosecutor of the Valais canton, indicated that investigators are examining whether the acoustic foam on the ceiling of the venue was “the cause of the problem” and if it complied with regulations.

It is believed that a teenager who studied in the UK is among the missing persons. Charlotte Niddam previously attended Immanuel College in Hertfordshire and the Liberal Jewish School in northwest London, according to reports.