Swiss police have made a significant breakthrough in their investigation into the tragic New Year's Eve fire that ripped through a popular bar in the eastern city of St. Gallen. Authorities have now successfully identified all 116 individuals who sustained injuries in the deadly blaze, which also claimed seven lives.
Complete Victim Identification Achieved
The St. Gallen cantonal police announced this crucial development, marking a major step forward in the complex aftermath of the disaster. The fire erupted in the early hours of January 1, 2024, at a bar located in the city's historic old town, a area known for its nightlife. The swift identification of all injured parties, who ranged from severely to lightly hurt, is vital for both the ongoing investigation and providing support to the victims and their families.
The death toll from the incident remains at seven people. While all the injured have been identified, the process of formally naming the deceased is proceeding with care and in coordination with their relatives. The police have not yet released the nationalities of all those affected, but it is known that the victims include individuals from various countries.
Cause of the Fire Under Scrutiny
The exact cause of the fire is still under active investigation by specialist forensic teams. Early reports suggested the blaze may have started in the interior of the bar. A significant piece of evidence was recovered from the scene: a fire extinguisher found near the building's entrance. This item has been sent for detailed forensic analysis to determine if it was used in an attempt to fight the initial flames or if it plays any other role in understanding the fire's origin and spread.
Emergency services responded to the scene with massive force. A large-scale rescue operation was launched, involving multiple fire brigades and ambulance teams. The injured were rushed to various hospitals across the region for urgent medical treatment.
Community and Official Response
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community in St. Gallen and across Switzerland. The bar was reportedly crowded with revellers celebrating the arrival of the new year when the fire broke out, leading to a scene of chaos and panic. Swiss President Viola Amherd expressed her deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a full recovery to the injured.
Local authorities have pledged a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the precise sequence of events that led to the catastrophe. The focus remains on understanding the fire's cause, the effectiveness of the building's safety measures, and the emergency response. This process is essential not only for delivering justice but also for reviewing and improving public safety protocols to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
The identification of all injured persons allows authorities to move forward with providing necessary assistance and gathering detailed accounts from survivors, which will be instrumental in piecing together the final moments before the fire ignited.
