Families start burying young revellers killed in Swiss bar fire

Funerals have begun for six Italian teenagers among 40 people killed when a New Year's Eve fire tore through a bar in Crans-Montana, and schools in Italy observed a minute's silence.

Families have started holding funerals for victims of a New Year's Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana. Six Italian teenagers are among those being buried, and communities in several towns have gathered for services. Authorities say 40 people from seven countries died in the blaze and that many of the victims were teenagers. Investigators reported the fire is believed to have started after staff used sparkling devices near the ceiling and that it spread rapidly. Known details: - Funerals for several Italian victims were held on Wednesday, including services in Milan, Bologna, Rome and Lugano, while one family kept arrangements private. - Officials report 40 people from seven nations were killed, and about 26 of the victims were aged between 14 and 18. - Investigators have said the blaze is believed to have been linked to sparkling devices used in the bar and that the fire developed rapidly. - Schools across Italy held a minute's silence; the education minister attended a remembrance at a Milan school attended by one of the victims. Summary: The deaths have prompted mourning and funerals in several Italian towns and remembrance events at schools. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Undetermined at this time.