Geneva, 4 January 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Swiss experts have now identified 24 of the 40 people who died in the New Year's bar fire in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, including a 14-year-old Swiss girl - the youngest victim to date - police said on Sunday.

Many of the victims are minors, among them Swiss and Italians, plus an Italian-Emirati national.

Those identified so far also include an 18-year-old Romanian, a Turkish 18-year-old and a Frenchman aged 39.

Among the 119 injured are more than 70 Swiss, as well as French, Italians, Serbs and a small number of other nationals.

The New Year's inferno at a bar in the Swiss ski resort was triggered by a party sparkler that set fire to foam on the ceiling, according to the current state of investigations. The fire spread with explosive speed.

Investigators are examining whether fire safety regulations were followed.

The two French operators of the bar are under investigation on suspicion of negligent homicide and other offences.

Photo: EPA