Go-karting prodigy among 40 killed in Swiss nightclub fire

Swiss authorities have identified all 40 victims of the New Year’s Day fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana; one was 18-year-old karting driver Joaquim van Thuyne and 119 people were reported injured.

An 18-year-old go-karting driver was among 40 people who died in a fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Day. Swiss authorities say the blaze began shortly after 1.30am on January 1. Reports indicate staff used champagne bottles fitted with sparklers near the ceiling, which is reported as the likely trigger. Officials have carried out victim identification and notified families. Known details: - The fire occurred at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana at about 1.30am on January 1 and is reported as having started after staff waved champagne bottles fitted with sparklers near the ceiling. - Swiss police announced they have identified all 40 people who died; authorities said more than half of the victims were aged 18 or under. - A total of 119 people were reported injured, and some were described as still fighting for their lives. - Sporting organisations named several of the young victims; one identified victim was 18-year-old karting driver Joaquim van Thuyne, and other athletes were acknowledged by their national federations. Summary: The deaths have prompted statements of condolence from international and national sporting bodies, including the FIA and other federations that named young athletes among the victims. Undetermined at this time.