The teenager had shown signs of great promise this season

An 18-year-old karting driver has passed away in the tragic Crans-Montana fire.

The FIA has announced that Swiss driver Joaquim van Thuyne had died in the horrific blaze on New Year’s Eve.

A go-kart racer in a helmet, racing suit, and gloves, in a go-kart with the number 303.
The FIA have paid tribute to van Thuyne

SWITZERLAND-FIRE-ACCIDENT-TOURISMThe makeshift memorial outside of where the fire took place in SwitzerlandCredit: AFP
A fire broke out at Le Constellation bar in the ski-resort town of Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland while bringing in the New Year.

An estimated 40 people died with another 116 injured.

With a heavy heart, the FIA released a statement on Tuesday.

It said: “It is with deep sadness that the FIA has learned of the death of Joaquim van Thuyne, an 18‑year‑old Swiss karting driver, in the tragic fire at Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve.

“Joaquim’s professionalsm, kindness and his passion for the sport made a lasting impression on all who knew him and competing alongside him.

“We join with the global motorsport community in expressing our deep sorrow at this difficult time.

“During the early years of his career competing in Switzerland, Joaquim demonstrated a love for the sport and great promise, including a top-ten finish in the highly contested x30 Challenge Switzerland.

“Racing with the Swiss Hutless team and also a member of FC Lutry junior football team who he was with on New Year’s Eve, we know how deeply this loss will be felt by so many.

“The FIA extends its heartfelt condolences to Joaquim’s family, friends and teammates, as well as to all the victims of this devastating tragedy.”

Van Thuyne was one of the forty people that were killed when a fire tore through a busy venue in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve, with victims’ age ranging from as young as 14 to 39 years old.

Another 119 were injured with 83 of those still in hospital.

Naturally, most of the injured suffered severe burns but in some cases, that has meant they could not be identified, police have said.

A preliminary investigation has found that lit sparklers on bottles being carried too close to the ceiling were the likely cause of the fire.

The owners of the bar where the fire started are being investigated