Former pupil at Hertfordshire school missing after Swiss bar fire

A former pupil of a Hertfordshire school has been identified as among those missing after the deadly New Year fire in Switzerland.

Charlotte Niddam previously attended Immanuel College, though her nationality is unclear.

She has been named as one of two people confirmed as missing following the blaze.

Seventeen-year-old Emanuele Galeppini, a golfer from Italy was the first victim confirmed to have died.

Swiss authorities stated sparklers placed in champagne bottles were the cause of the New Year fire.

At least 40 people were killed at the venue in Crans Montana - while another 119 are injured.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin, speaking on his first day in the largely ceremonial job, said many emergency staff had been "confronted by scenes of indescribable violence and distress".

He said: "Switzerland is a strong country not because it is sheltered from drama, but because it knows how to face them with courage and a spirit of mutual help."

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