The bodies of 16 people who died in a bar fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana have been identified by police - including a 14-year-old girl.
More than 40 people died following the blaze at bar Le Constellation on New Year's Eve, in one of the worst disasters in recent Swiss history.
Police today confirmed they have identified 16 more of those killed, including several who were under the age of 18.
The youngest was a Swiss girl, aged 14.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
Those identified included people of Swiss, Italian, Romanian, French and Turkish nationalities.
In a statement, Swiss people said: "[Those identified] are four Swiss women, aged 18, two aged 15 and 14, and six Swiss men aged 31, 20, 18, 17 and two aged 16, two Italians aged 16, a dual national (Italy and United Arab Emirates) aged 16, a Romanian aged 18, a Frenchman aged 39 and a Turkish man aged 18.
"To date, 24 deceased have been identified. The ongoing investigation aims to identify all victims, both deceased and injured."
"Out of respect for the family, no further information will be released at this time."
More than 40 people died following the New Year's Eve blaze
| XSome 119 people suffered injuries in the fire, including severe burns, with many transferred to burn units in hospitals around Europe.
Witnesses reported seeing staff at the bar carrying so-called fountain candles atop bottles of champagne, and questions have also arisen about a foam material used to soundproof the ceiling of the basement where people danced.
Beatrice Pilloud, chief prosecutor of Valais, said indications were that the fire started because the sparklers got too near to the ceiling.
"From there, a rapid, very rapid and widespread blaze ensued," she said on Friday afternoon.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Prosecutors have suggested the fire began because sparklers on top of champagne bottles got too close to the ceiling
| XInvestigations will look at renovations made to the bar, the fire extinguishing systems and escape routes, as well as the number of people inside when the blaze began, prosecutors said.
Two managers of the bar are under criminal investigation, it was announced on Saturday.
The pair are suspected of offences including homicide by negligence, causing bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence.
Prosecutors did not name the pair.
Two managers of the bar are under criminal investigation following the fire
|REUTERS
"It was an enormous tragedy. We're all so sorry that this had to happen," Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans said.
He said temperatures during the blaze must have reached "500C-600C".
Local residents said the bar was popular with young people and the Swiss government said many of the dead were likely youths.
Beer and wine can be drunk from age 16 in Switzerland.
More From GB News