Swiss authorities have begun the painstaking process of identifying victims after a devastating fire tore through a crowded bar in the Alps, turning a New Year's celebration into one of the country's worst modern tragedies.
A Young Athlete Lost
The first victim to be publicly named is Emanuele Galeppini, a talented young Italian golfer. The Italian Golf Federation paid tribute on its website to a "young athlete who embodied passion and authentic values." While numerous news outlets have reported this, Swiss officials have not yet formally confirmed the identities of any of the approximately 40 people who lost their lives.
The fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar in the popular resort town of Crans-Montana. It caused scenes of panic and chaos, with bystanders describing people desperately trying to break windows to escape. Others, suffering serious burns, poured out onto the street. In total, the blaze killed around 40 people and injured about 115 others, many critically.
Investigation and National Mourning
Investigators started their work on Friday to determine what caused the fatal fire. Authorities have stated it was not an attack, but have declined to speculate further on the origin. The Swiss police have warned that identifying all the victims could take days or even weeks, leaving families and friends in agonising uncertainty.
In response to the disaster, Switzerland has declared five days of national mourning. The country is grappling with the scale of the loss from an incident that has shocked the Alpine nation and the international community.
Community and International Reaction
The tragedy has resonated far beyond the Swiss borders, particularly in Italy following the naming of Emanuele Galeppini. The resort of Crans-Montana, typically associated with skiing and luxury, is now the focus of a major emergency response and investigation. The process ahead involves forensic work to provide answers and closure to the many affected.
