The tragic fire in Crans-Montana has claimed approximately 40 lives, with over 100 individuals injured. As of now, authorities have successfully identified 24 victims, highlighting the profound impact on the community.

Heartbreakingly, among the newly identified victims, nine were under the age of 18, a fact that deepens the sorrow felt by the town. This revelation underscores the tragic loss of some of the community’s youngest members.

In light of these developments, authorities have intensified their investigation into the incident. On Saturday, they announced a probe into the bar’s management on suspicions of negligent manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson. Despite these allegations, one of the bar’s co-owners maintains that all regulations were adhered to.

According to Swiss federal law, individuals as young as 16 can legally purchase beer and wine, while the sale of spirits is restricted to those 18 and older, as stipulated by the country’s Federal Office of Public Health. This legal framework adds another layer to the investigation as authorities delve deeper into the circumstances leading to the tragedy.

Under Swiss federal law, beer and wine can be sold to people from the age of 16, while spirits can only be sold to people aged 18 or over, according to the country’s Federal Office of Public Health.

Specific law in Valais canton states that from 10pm onwards those under 16 can access premises serving alcohol if accompanied by their legal guardian or another adult authorised by their legal guardian. The fire broke out at the resort bar around 1.30am local time, police said.

Local authorities have commented on the youth of the victims, with the president of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, saying many of those killed were “full of plans, hope and dreams.”

On Sunday, mourners attended a church service at Chapelle Saint-Christophe in Crans-Montana to pay their respects to the victims of the tragedy.

“Countless people join us – people whose hearts are broken,” Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey said during the service, according to Reuters news agency. “Many expressions of sympathy and solidarity reach us.”

The service was followed by a silent march toward the centre of Crans-Montana, where people were invited to lay flowers and sign a book of condolences, the church said on its website.

Italy to pursue legal action

Six Italian victims of the blaze have now been identified and their bodies are due to be flown back to Italy on Monday, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said via his spokesperson.

The Italian victims include one 15-year-old teenager, four 16-year-olds and another 17-year-old, Italy’s ambassador to Switzerland Gian Lorenzo Coronado said.

Cornado said Italy would pursue legal recourse against the bar owners on behalf of the families.

“Accidents happen, but this was not an accident but an avoidable tragedy: all it would have taken was a little prevention and a modicum of common sense,” he said, according to Italian media video of his comments.

“Everything was done according to the rules,” Jacques Moretti said.

CNN has contacted Le Constellation bar to ask whether the victims under the age of 16 were accompanied by a legal guardian or another authorized adult.

CNN has previously reached out to both Moretti and co-owner Jessica Anne Jeanne Moretti through their businesses for comment.