Police in Switzerland have confirmed that all 116 people injured in the New Year's Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana have been identified. The blaze killed 40 people, mostly young partygoers, and authorities have revised the number of wounded down from 119 after three people were wrongly recorded as injured.
The fire is believed to have started in the basement after sparklers attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling, which was clad with soundproofing foam. Among the injured were 68 Swiss citizens, 21 French, 10 Italians, four Serbs and four dual nationals. Eighty-three people remain in hospital with severe burns.
The last of the 40 victims were identified on Sunday. They included 21 Swiss nationals, nine French citizens, six Italians, and one person each from Belgium, Portugal, Romania and Turkey. The victims were aged between 14 and 39, with an average age of 19; 20 were minors. The bodies of five of the six Italian victims were repatriated on Monday, with a ceremony at Sion airport.
Pressure is mounting for answers, with authorities investigating bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti on suspicion of homicide by negligence. The couple have not been arrested and are not considered a flight risk. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called for justice, while Swiss tabloid Blick questioned why the owners remain free.
Questions have been raised about age checks, soundproofing materials, and sparkler regulations. Jacques Moretti has stated that the bar was inspected three times in ten years and complied with rules. The municipality has joined the investigation as a civil party. A memorial ceremony will be held on Friday, with French President Emmanuel Macron expected to attend.
