The fatal bar fire at a Swiss ski resort was caused by sparklers on champagne bottles
Swiss authorities report that sparklers on champagne bottles ignited a deadly bar fire, resulting in 40 fatalities and over 100 injuries.
Swiss authorities report that sparklers placed on champagne bottles likely ignited the devastating fire that swept through a bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana on New Year’s Day, resulting in 40 fatalities and injuring at least 119 individuals.
Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated that investigators suspect the sparklers were positioned too near the ceiling, leading to a swift spread of flames within the packed venue.
“All indications suggest that the fire originated from sparkling candles placed on champagne bottles that were positioned too close to the ceiling,” Pilloud stated during a news conference on Friday.
A fire erupted in the early hours of January 1 at Le Constellation, a well-known bar with a capacity of up to 300 patrons. Officials are continuing to assess the number of patrons present at the time.
Pilloud stated that the investigation will look into the bar’s fire safety protocols, the materials used in construction, the compliance of the ceiling with building regulations, and whether the maximum capacity was surpassed. Prosecutors are evaluating the possibility of pursuing criminal charges.
Officials have verified that the bar featured multiple exits; however, it is still uncertain if the emergency exit was accessible at the time of the fire.
The process of identifying victims is still in progress, as law enforcement employs Disaster Victim Identification protocols that include the expertise of forensic specialists, medical professionals, and dental experts. Among the 119 injured, 113 have been officially identified, comprising nationals from Switzerland, France, Italy, and Serbia.
A significant number of the injured are still in critical condition, with approximately 50 individuals having been transferred or awaiting transfer to specialized burn centers throughout Europe.
Among those injured is 19-year-old French footballer Tahirys Dos Santos, who sustained severe burns and has been airlifted to Germany for treatment, according to his club FC Mertz.
The families of the missing continue to await confirmation from the authorities. Among them is Achille Barosi, a 16-year-old Italian national, who entered the bar shortly before the fire to collect personal belongings and has not been seen since.
Witnesses recounted moments of chaos and bravery as the flames advanced swiftly, with certain rescuers breaking windows to save individuals.
A national mourning ceremony will take place on January 9 in Crans-Montana, as investigations and victim identification are ongoing.
