A 15-year-old girl educated in Britain is among those missing after a deadly fire at a Swiss ski resort. Charlotte Niddam, who attended Immanuel College in Bushey, Hertfordshire, has not been heard from since the blaze broke out in the early hours of New Year's Day.
The fire occurred at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, where many teenagers were celebrating. Swiss authorities have confirmed 40 deaths and over 100 injuries, with some victims still unidentified. The Niddam family had recently moved back to France, having sold their British home in March.
Charlotte's former school issued a statement saying they are 'praying for a miracle for Charlotte'. The school urged the community to support the family during this difficult time. Charlotte had advertised babysitting services on the resort's website, indicating she frequently spent time in Crans-Montana.
Swiss authorities believe the fire was started by fountain sparklers mounted on champagne bottles that ignited the ceiling. Families of the missing have been using social media to appeal for information. The resort is popular with tourists from mainland Europe, and most of those affected are Swiss, French, and Italian.
