Victim Identification Goes Underway After Bar Fire

(MENAFN) Swiss officials announced on Friday that confirming the identities of dozens of people killed in a devastating New Year’s Eve blaze at a packed bar in the alpine resort of Crans-Montana may require several days.

As the investigation continues, families are still searching for missing relatives, while many of those injured remain in life-threatening condition.

Stephane Ganzer, head of the security department in the canton of Valais, told journalists that the process would be lengthy due to the extreme condition of the victims’ remains.

He explained that the seriousness of the burns meant identification could take days or possibly longer, according to a newspaper.

Italy’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, echoed these concerns, stating that the bodies could not be recognized because of the severity of the injuries. His comments were reported by an Italian news agency.

Not long after these statements, authorities confirmed the first publicly identified victim. The Italian Golf Federation (FIG) announced that Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage Italian golfer, had died in the fire.

In an official message, the federation offered its sympathies, honoring Galeppini as a promising young sportsman who represented dedication, enthusiasm, and strong personal values.

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