Overview
- Authorities confirm at least 40 dead and more than 115 injured, with roughly 80 suffering severe burns, as victim identification continues across multiple countries.
- Many victims are believed to be teenagers and young adults, reflecting the venue’s popularity with younger crowds, according to local accounts.
- Eyewitness-rescuer Paolo Campolo says he found people trapped behind a locked door and has formally given his statement to cantonal police.
- Campolo reports a firefighter did not assist when asked as he and others pulled 15–20 people out; he is hospitalized with serious smoke inhalation.
- Social-media footage points to champagne bottles with sparklers near the ceiling before flames erupted, archived images suggest flammable acoustic insulation, and officials are also considering a flashover as a factor.