An 18-year-old Swiss national has died from injuries sustained in the Switzerland bar fire on New Year’s Day, bringing the number of people killed to 41.
The teenager died in a Zurich hospital on Saturday, according to the Swiss public prosecutor, which did not provide any further information about the victim or the status of an ongoing investigation into the blaze.
The fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year’s Day also injured more than 100 people. Most of the victims, all of whom have been identified, were teenagers.
Investigators believe the fire began when sparkling candles ignited the bar’s ceiling, which had been fitted with soundproofing material.
They previously said they were looking into whether the material conformed with regulations, and whether the candles were permitted for use in the bar.
Local officials said the venue had not had a fire safety inspection since 2019.
The bar’s co-owner, Jacques Moretti, was arrested on 9 January in connection with the fire before being released on bail on 23 January.
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He has been ordered to stay in Switzerland, surrender his identity documents and report to the police every day. A bail of 200,000 francs (£190,000) was also paid.
His wife, a co-owner of Le Constellation bar, is being kept under house arrest.
Jacques and Jessica Moretti. Pic: Reuters
The couple are suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and causing a fire by negligence.
Prosecutors previously said they had interviewed the couple about safety issues and renovations at the bar.
The criminal investigation continues.
Crans-Montana is a popular skiing destination where many international Alpine competitions are held.
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