LOC19:48
16:48 GMT
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
GENEVA, Jan 2 (KUNA) -- Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Friday that the toll among Italian nationals in the deadly fire that broke out at the ski tourist resort of Crans-Montana stands at 13 injured and six missing so far according to available information.
This was made in a short statement by the Italian minister to journalists during his visit to Crans-Montana following the fire that erupted at a ski resort on New Year's Eve killing at least 40 people and injuring more than 115 others.
Tajani said that Swiss authorities have identified most of the injured except for three individuals, expressing hope that these could be among the missing Italians.
He also described the images from the scene as "tragic" adding that available information points to certain shortcomings in the building where the fire broke out.
Takani stressed that the judiciary must determine responsibilities once the investigation is completed.
He also confirmed that cooperation with the Swiss authorities has been extremely positive expressing strong readiness from Italy to receive the injured both Italians and non-Italians.
He added that Italy has placed the expertise of its forensic police at the disposal of the Swiss authorities to assist in identifying the injured and the deceased whose identities have not yet been determined.
Swiss police announced early on Thursday the death of 40 people and the 115 others injured as a result of a major fire that broke out at a ski resort in Crans-Montana during New Year's celebrations. (end)
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