YOUNG FRENCH FOOTBALLER INJURED, ITALIAN GOLFER DIES IN SWISS BAR FIRE

HANOVER, Jan 2 (Bernama-dpa) -- A young footballer from French Ligue 1 side Metz was among those seriously injured in a bar fire in Switzerland early on New Year’s Day that killed about 40 people, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Metz said late Thursday that Tahirys Dos Santos, 19, who plays for the club’s reserve team, suffered severe burns and was airlifted to a hospital in Germany for treatment.

"Deeply affected by the news, the club's managers, players, coaches and employees are in shock and are sending their thoughts to Tahirys as he battles through his suffering," the club said.

"The club also wishes to offer its full support to his family and is working with the medical authorities to transfer Tahirys to the Hospital in Mercy, near his home."

About 40 people died in the blaze at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, in the south-western Swiss Alps. Around 115 others were injured, with 80 reported to be in a critical condition. Most of the seriously injured are aged between 16 and 26.

Meanwhile, Italian media reported that 17-year-old golfer Emanuele Galeppini died in the blaze.

The ANSA news agency reported that he was identified after his mobile phone was found at the bar, while the Italian Golf Federation confirmed his death without providing further details.

"The Italian Golf Federation mourns the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who embodied passion and genuine values. At this moment of great sorrow, our thoughts go out to his family and all those who loved him. Emanuele, you will remain in our hearts forever," the federation said on the social media platform X.

--BERNAMA-dpa