Swiss bar fire: 16 more victims identified, including ten children

Swiss authorities said they identified 16 more victims of a New Year's Eve bar fire, ten of them under 18, bringing the total identified to 24; an investigation into the bar managers has been opened.

Swiss authorities reported new identifications after a fatal fire at a bar in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve. Police said 16 additional victims were identified, including ten people under 18, and that work to identify all victims and injured remains under way. Families continue to await confirmations as officials carry out forensic and identification procedures. Known details: - Valais cantonal police, the Disaster Victim Identification team and the Institute of Forensic Medicine reported 16 new identifications, raising the total identified to 24. - Ten of the newly identified victims were under 18, and authorities said that 12 children have now been confirmed among the dead. - The identified included Swiss nationals and people from Italy, Romania, Turkey and France; Italy confirmed three of its citizens among the dead. - Swiss authorities have opened an investigation into the managers of the Le Constellation bar on suspicions including negligent homicide and negligent bodily harm, and forensic work and identification efforts are continuing. Summary: The identification of more victims highlights ongoing forensic and identification work and the continued distress for families awaiting news. Authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the bar's managers; further procedural steps are undetermined at this time.