Families are enduring an agonising wait for news of loved ones missing after a fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana killed around 40 people. The blaze, which started shortly after midnight on New Year's Eve, tore through the venue, leaving many critically injured.
Among the missing are four teenagers from a group of 15 who had travelled from Milan to celebrate. Two of the group, Marco, 20, and Gabriele, 18, narrowly avoided the tragedy after deciding at the last minute not to join their friends. They are now searching for Achille Barosi and Chiara Costanzo, both 16, who remain unaccounted for.
Swiss prosecutors said the fire was likely started by sparklers placed in champagne bottles that were moved too close to the ceiling. Acoustic foam on the ceiling is being investigated to see if it complied with regulations and contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
Among the victims identified is Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old international golfer from Dubai. Charlotte Niddam, a 15-year-old British-educated student, is also missing. Her former school, Immanuel College in Bushey, Hertfordshire, has appealed for prayers.
Officials said identifying the dead and injured could take days due to burns. Hospital workers in Berne have advised relatives to inform authorities of any tattoos or jewellery the missing may have been wearing.
