17-year-old Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini has been identified as the first victim of the horrific fire that broke out at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing at least 40 people and injuring 115 during New Year's Eve celebrations.
The Italian Golf Federation confirmed his death in a post on Instagram, noting that the organization “mourns the loss of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried with him passion and true values.” The post added: “Emanuele, you will remain forever in our hearts.”
Swiss authorities have reported that of the 119 injured, 113 have been identified and are of various nationalities: 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italian, 4 Serbian, 1 Bosnian, 1 Dutch, 1 Polish, 1 Portuguese and 1 from Luxembourg. Fourteen people remain without confirmed identity.
Investigative officials are continuing the process of identifying the victims, considering the return of the exact remains to their families an "absolute priority." Five of the dead have not yet been identified.
According to initial investigations, the fire was started by fireworks placed on champagne bottles and brought too close to the ceiling, causing rapid flames. No arrests have been made and the fire is being considered an "accident."
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the tragedy as "a drama of unknown proportions" and expressed his deepest condolences to the victims, the injured and their families.
Several survivors, including 17-year-old Laetitia Place and Samuel Rapp, recounted moments of horror to Reuters, describing chaotic crowds of people near narrow exits and scenes of burning and dead people all around.
