All Injured Survivors from Swiss New Year’s Fire Disaster Identified

Accra: Swiss authorities have now identified all the injured survivors of the New Year's Eve fire disaster, in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, and have slightly revised the number of those affected downwards. According to Ghana News Agency, the police for the region of Valais reported on Monday that there were 116 survivors, 83 of whom are being treated in hospital. Initially, there were reports of 40 dead and 119 injured, but it has been clarified that three patients were mistakenly associated with the incident. Among the injured are 68 people from Switzerland, 21 from France, 10 from Italy, and four from Serbia. The identification of the deceased was completed on Sunday, with more than half being Swiss nationals. Some individuals from neighboring countries, France and Italy, as well as a few from other European countries, were also among the deceased. Most victims were young people, including many teenagers. A day of mourning is scheduled in Switzerland on Friday. According to current investigations, t he fire was triggered by a party sparkler that ignited foam on the ceiling. The two operators of the bar are under investigation for negligent homicide. Swiss politicians are planning to enhance enforcement of fire safety regulations in prominent winter sports hubs, following the Crans-Montana incident. Local politicians in Adelboden and Lauterbrunnen have stated, ahead of the upcoming ski World Cup races, that they will hold catering establishments accountable for fan safety. In France, the Paris police prefect has announced forthcoming inspections in bars and clubs to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, as reported by French media. Among the casualties were also people from France. The Czech Republic is also conducting similar inspections, as a Czech woman was among the injured in Crans-Montana. Swiss President Guy Parmelin mentioned on SRF television that many local operators have voluntarily agreed to stop using pyrotechnics indoors. The government does not plan to impose an official ban bu t expects that necessary lessons will be learned. Inspections are planned in Adelboden before the giant slalom and slalom races on January 10 and 11, and in Wengen from January 16-18 before the World Cup races. Restaurant owners are encouraged to ensure that escape routes are clear and that no unauthorized flammable materials are present in their establishments.