ROME, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least a dozen Italians were injured and 16 others remain missing following an explosion and fire that occurred early Thursday morning in southwestern Switzerland, Italian media reported.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Italian television that around 12 to 15 Italians had been injured in the incident and were receiving treatment in hospitals, according to Italy's ANSA news agency.
He later told Italian broadcaster RaiNews 24 that the number of missing Italians had risen to 16, warning that "the list of missing persons will certainly continue to grow."
Tajani said shortcomings were found both in the use of fireworks and in safety checks, adding that rescue operations are still underway.
The minister announced that he would travel to the scene and establish a special task force to assist Swiss authorities.
According to local police, around 40 people were killed and more than 110 others were injured after a fire broke out at a bar during New Year's Eve celebrations in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton, Switzerland. ■