Swiss police have confirmed that 116 people injured in the tragic fire that broke out at the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve have been identified, killing 40 people, most of them young people celebrating the New Year.
Authorities announced that the number of injured had been revised from 119 to 116, after three people who presented to the hospital later turned out to be unrelated to the incident.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire is suspected to have started in the basement, as fireworks placed in champagne bottles were held very close to the ceiling, which was covered with heat-sensitive acoustic insulation material, while dozens of young people were in the bar.
Foreign media report that among the injured are 68 Swiss, 21 French, 10 Italians, 4 Serbs, 4 people with dual citizenship, 2 Poles, as well as citizens from 7 other countries, while 83 people continue to be treated in hospital for severe burns.
The victims were aged 14 to 39, with 20 of them being minors.
Five of the six Italian victims were flown to Italy today from Sion military airport where they were welcomed in Milan by authorities and family members.
The prosecution is investigating the owners of the bar, French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, for manslaughter.
They have not been arrested, as they are not considered a flight risk, a decision that has sparked public debate.
The owners claim that the bar has been inspected three times in the last 10 years and that it has complied with regulations.
The municipality of Crans-Montana has announced that a memorial ceremony for the victims will be held on Friday, with French President Emmanuel Macron expected to attend.
