After the identification of all the fatalities has been completed, the full extent of the disaster in Crans-Montana is known: Of the 40 people who died in the devastating fire in a bar, about half were not yet of age. According to the police in the canton of Valais, the youngest victim is a 14-year-old Swiss woman. Among the dead are also nationals from Italy and France; German victims were not identified.

According to the current state of the investigation, the fire was started by a sparking party fountain, which apparently ignited foam ceiling material. The flames spread in a very short time and left those present hardly a chance to escape.

At the same time, the authorities are checking whether all fire protection requirements have been complied with. Investigations are underway against the two French operators of the bar, including for negligent homicide. The focus is on questions about the permissibility of the ceiling cladding as well as the number and accessibility of the emergency exits.

For some of the 119 survivors, most of whom were seriously injured, the situation remains serious. Experts point out that in the case of severe burns, life-threatening complications such as organ failure often only occur after 48 hours. In addition, there is an increased risk of infection, as the immune system is severely weakened. Only when these dangers are under control do numerous surgical procedures begin, in which burned skin is removed and – if possible – replaced with the body's own skin.

As treatment capacities in Switzerland are limited, several patients have been transferred to specialized clinics in Germany, including facilities in Ludwigshafen, Stuttgart, Tübingen, Bochum and Cologne-Merheim. In total, Switzerland asked for treatment places for up to 50 patients, mainly in neighbouring countries. Among the injured are more than 70 Swiss nationals as well as people from France, Italy, Serbia and other countries; here, too, no German victims have been reported so far.

has scheduled a nationwide day of mourning with a central commemoration ceremony for 9 January. The municipality also set up a digital book of condolence. President Guy Parmelin was one of the first to sign up and declared: "To all grieving families and all those affected, I say with seriousness and sincerity: Your suffering is also our suffering." He announced that he would personally attend the commemoration ceremony in Crans-Montana; it is still open whether other heads of state and government will arrive.

At the beginning of the ceremony, church bells are to ring throughout Switzerland, accompanied by a nationwide minute of silence – a sign of joint remembrance for the victims of this tragedy.

Author: MF-Redaktion
Source: dpa / internet