Swiss Bar Fire Traced to New Years Eve Sparklers

At least 40 people killed, 119 wounded in Swiss ski resort bar fire

A devastating blaze broke out at a crowded Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland on New Year’s Eve, resulting in significant loss of life and injury. Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by sparklers attached to champagne bottles.

According to local prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud, the fire is believed to have started from burning candles or “Bengal lights” attached to champagne bottles, which went too close to the ceiling. This led to a rapid and widespread conflagration.

As of Friday afternoon, at least 40 people had been killed in the blaze, with 119 others injured. Swiss officials reported that 113 of the injured had been identified, including 14 French nationals, 11 Italians, and four Serbian nationals.

Families are facing an agonising wait for information about missing loved ones, with many seeking updates on social media. An Instagram account has accumulated photos of people who remain unaccounted for, with their friends and relatives pleading for tips about their whereabouts.

Authorities have warned that identifying the victims will take time due to the extent of the damage caused by the fire. Experts are using dental and DNA samples to identify the victims. The owners of the bar have been questioned as part of the ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire, which is expected to focus on previous renovations, materials used, and escape routes.

The police commander in the Valais region, Frederic Gisler, reported that about 50 people had been sent or would be transferred to other European countries for treatment in specialized burn units. The town of Crans-Montana has seen an outpouring of grief, with residents, tourists, and survivors gathering at a memorial to pay their respects to the victims.

Source: Al Jazeera