Teenage golfer identified as first victim in Swiss resort fire that killed at least 40

Swiss police say about 40 people died and 115 were injured in a New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation, and the first identified victim is 16-year-old Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini.

A fire broke out shortly after midnight on New Year's Eve at Le Constellation, a lounge in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana, and Swiss police say about 40 people died and 115 were injured. Italian authorities reported a higher toll of 47. On Friday, the first identified victim was named as 16-year-old Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini. Photos and videos from the party show sparklers in bottles and small flames on the ceiling just before the blaze spread. Investigators have not yet determined the cause and are examining whether a flashover — a sudden rapid ignition of combustible gases — triggered the rapid spread of the fire. Known details: - Swiss police reported about 40 deaths and 115 injured; Italian authorities put the death toll at 47. - The first publicly identified victim is Emanuele Galeppini, 16, described by the Italian Golf Federation as a rising athlete. - Images and eyewitness accounts show sparklers in bottles and a small flame on the ceiling before the fire spread. - Witness video shows people attempting to beat back flames and evacuating through a narrow staircase and a broken window. - Emergency services mobilized 42 ambulances, 13 helicopters and about 150 medical staff; some burn victims were flown to hospitals in Italy and other countries. Summary: The fire resulted in heavy loss of life and many injuries, and many of the patrons were reported to be teenagers and young adults, prompting mourning locally and abroad. Officials say the cause has not been determined and investigators are prioritizing the flashover hypothesis; identifying victims and clarifying the sequence of events may take days. Undetermined at this time.