A talented young Italian golfer has been identified as the first victim of a devastating fire that ripped through a crowded bar in the Swiss Alps, turning a New Year's celebration into a national tragedy.
First Victim Named as Investigation Begins
The Italian Golf Federation has confirmed the death of Emanuele Galeppini, paying tribute on its website to a "young athlete who embodied passion and authentic values". While officials have yet to formally confirm all victim identities, the news of Galeppini's death has been widely reported. The blaze tore through the Le Constellation bar in the upscale resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year festivities.
Scene of Panic and Chaos
Bystanders described scenes of sheer panic as the fire took hold. People desperately tried to smash windows to escape the inferno, while others, severely burned, stumbled out into the street. The fire is believed to have killed about 40 people and injured approximately 115 others, many of them seriously. Swiss authorities have stated the cause was not an attack but have declined to speculate further on what ignited the deadly blaze.
Investigators started the grim process of identifying victims on Friday. Swiss police have warned that completing identifications for all who perished could take days or even weeks, prolonging the agonising wait for countless families and friends.
Switzerland Enters Period of Mourning
In response to one of the country's worst peacetime tragedies, Switzerland will hold five days of national mourning. The process of identifying the victims remains a priority for investigators as the community and the nation come to terms with the scale of the loss. The incident at Le Constellation has sent shockwaves through the Alpine nation and the international community, particularly in Italy, where many of the victims are believed to be from.
