Dubai-based golfer Emanuele Galeppini was among those killed in a fire at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve, the Italian Golf Federation has said.
The teenager, originally from Genoa, Italy, lived in Dubai with his family and was considered a rising star in the amateur golf scene. He was in Switzerland with friends when the blaze broke out at Le Constellation bar in the early hours of January 1.
News of his death was reported by the Italian Golf Federation, with tributes coming in from the wider sporting community – including Ryder Cup hero, and UAE resident, Tommy Fleetwood. He was believed to be 17.
“The Italian Golf Federation mourns the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried passion and authentic values with him,” the IGF said in a statement.
“At this time of great sorrow, our thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him. Emanuele, you will forever remain in our hearts.”
His death has not yet been officially confirmed by authorities.
A New Year’s Eve tragedy
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the blaze as “one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced”.
Forensic specialists arrived at the scene this morning, but it could take days to identify the bodies using DNA and dental samples, because some were so badly burnt.
Swiss police said around 40 people had died and 115 were injured, but this number could increase, as a large number of the injured are in critical condition.
Stephane Ganzer, head of safety for the canton of Valais, where the ski resort is located, told French radio station RTL: “There are around 100 injured in critical condition. The death toll is terrible and it could get worse.”
Swiss authorities will not be releasing the official death toll until the bodies are formally identified and their families informed, in accordance with Swiss law.
Crans Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud said the first aim was to “assign names to all the bodies”, and warned this could take days.
Mathias Reynard, head of government of the canton of Valais, said the DNA and dental samples needed to be tested first “because the information is so terrible and sensitive that nothing can be told to the families unless we are 100% sure”.
The club’s capacity is thought to have been 200 people, meaning that most of the people present would have been killed or injured.
Police on Thursday said they were investigating whether the bar had exceeded its capacity for guests.
UAE extends support
The UAE offered its solidarity with Switzerland in the wake of the devastating fire.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
It emphasised the UAE's support for the government and people of Switzerland during this difficult time.
International casualties
European embassies are scrambling to find out how many of their nationals are among the dead and injured.
French and Italian authorities say they have citizens missing, while Poland and Austria have confirmed that their nationals are among the injured.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the 14 injured Polish nationals could be transferred to Polish hospitals for specialised medical treatment.
“Deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the fire in Crans-Montana. Switzerland and the canton of Valais can count on Polish solidarity,” he wrote on social media on Friday.
“We are ready, at Switzerland's request, to provide specialised medical care for the 14 injured in Polish hospitals.”
Italy made the severe burns unit of a Milan hospital available the injured, while some victims were taken by helicopter to Zurich and Germany, after the local hospital in Valais became overwhelmed.
It is not yet clear what caused the fire but witnesses have described the speed at which it spread, and the chaos that ensued.
The fire broke out at about 1.30am. Witnesses said they believed it was started by a candle placed in a champagne bottle. Videos online show flames rapidly spreading across the ceiling.
Crans-Montana is a popular ski resort in the Valais canton, two hours away from the capital Berne. It is in the French-speaking part of the country and about 100km from the Italian border.
