Emanuele Galeppini dies in fatal Swiss Alps bar fire

Emanuele Galeppini dies in fatal Swiss Alps bar fire

Fatal Swiss Alps bar fire death of Emanuele Galeppini – Obituary

Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old Italian golfer, has been identified as the first confirmed victim of a devastating New Year’s Eve fire at an Alpine ski resort in Switzerland that left dozens dead and more than 100 others injured.

Authorities said celebrations turned catastrophic in the early hours of Thursday when a fast-moving blaze swept through the crowded Le Constellation bar in the luxury resort town of Crans-Montana. Emergency crews described overwhelming scenes as flames tore through the venue packed with partygoers marking the start of the new year.

Swiss officials have called the incident one of the country’s worst peacetime tragedies. Among those hurt are foreign nationals, including at least one Australian, with several victims transported to hospitals across the region.

Galeppini, who lived in Dubai, was a rising star in international golf and had competed in more than 50 tournaments worldwide, including events with Italy’s national under-18 team. The Italian Golf Federation confirmed his death and honored him as a talented young athlete known for dedication and strong personal values.

Security officials in the canton of Valais said the aftermath resembled a war zone, with uninjured guests forced to act as first responders, performing CPR and assisting severely burned victims before emergency services could fully access the scene.

Hospital officials warned that the death toll could still climb, noting that dozens of patients remain in critical condition and face life-threatening complications such as sepsis due to extensive burns.

Tributes continue to pour in as residents and visitors gather near the sealed-off bar, lighting candles and laying flowers in memory of the victims while investigators work to determine how the fire started and whether overcrowding contributed to the scale of the disaster.