Three teenagers identified as first victims of Swiss nightclub fire which killed 40
Four bodies found after the Swiss nightclub fire on New Year’s Eve which killed at least 40 people have now been identified.
Two women, aged 21 and 16, and two men aged 18 and 16 – all from Switzerland – have been returned to their families.
Many others remain missing, and six people of the 119 injured also remain unidentified with severe third-degree burns.
More than 30 people are involved in the identification process, with investigators having to rely on DNA, dental records, unique features such as tattoos and items victims may have been carrying.
Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general for the Valais region, said the priority for authorities remains to identify the bodies ‘so that the families can begin their grieving process’.
Authorities have warned that naming the victims or even establishing a definitive death toll would take time because many of the bodies were badly burned.
Crans-Montana’s mayor Nicolas Feraud told a press conference: ‘The first objective is to assign names to all the bodies.’
Owners of La Constellation Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica, 40, were pictured renovating the bar themselves in 2015.
They have already been questioned by police and face manslaughter charges.
Footage shows the dimpled foam acoustic insulation on the ceiling catching fire before quickly spreading across the room.
According to images found on the couple’s Facebook page, they can be seen stripping back the ceiling with the foam added as a final layer.
Speaking out for the first time yesterday, Mr Moretti said: ‘Everything had been done according to regulation.
‘We will do everything we can to help clarify the causes. We are doing everything in our power. Our lawyers are also involved.’
Ms Pilloud said: ‘We assume that the fire originated from sparklers attached to champagne bottles. From there, the ceiling caught fire.
‘We are also looking at what materials were used. The issue of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and the bar’s occupancy is also being investigated.
‘Our investigation also includes the foam on the ceiling. It is still unclear whether any individuals will face criminal charges. However, it is possible that an investigation for negligent homicide will be initiated.’
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