Nearly 40 people who sustained severe injuries in the tragic fire that ripped through a Swiss bar during New Year's celebrations remain hospitalized some four months on, Swiss authorities said on Tuesday.
The blaze at Le Constellation bar at the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana is believed to have been triggered by party sparklers that set foam on the ceiling of the establishment's basement on fire shortly after midnight.
The flames spread rapidly, leaving many people unable to escape via a narrow staircase. A total of 41 people lost their lives and more than 100 were injured, including some 80 seriously.
Due to the severe nature of the injuries, Swiss authorities requested assistance from abroad, with 38 survivors airlifted to specialist clinics in Belgium, Germany, France and Italy.
All of them continued to receive hospital treatment by the end of April, including 20 Swiss residents who have since been relocated to Swiss clinics, the Federal Office for Civil Protection said in a statement.
A total of 18 patients continue to be hospitalized in France and Italy, the agency said.
Bar operators Jessica and Jacques Moretti and several local officials are being investigated on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson.
