Initial findings indicate that the tragic fire that ravaged a Swiss ski resort bar on New Year’s Eve, claiming the lives of at least 40 individuals and leaving many others injured, likely originated from “fountain candles” affixed to champagne bottles that were inadvertently brought too close to the ceiling, stated the local prosecutor on Friday. The prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, revealed during a press briefing that the blaze appeared to have ignited from the burning candles or ‘Bengal lights’ attached to the bottles, triggering a rapid and extensive spread of the fire.
These sparkling candles, commonly found in retail stores and often used for celebratory events like birthdays, were identified as the potential source of the deadly fire that occurred at Le Constellation bar in the upscale Crans-Montana ski resort. Authorities are also scrutinizing whether a foam layer in the ceiling, related to acoustics, adhered to safety regulations, although no criminal responsibility has been determined thus far.
Efforts are underway to identify the victims of the tragedy, with dental and DNA samples being utilized in the identification process. Among the injured, 50 individuals, predominantly young partygoers, are set to be transferred to specialized burn units across Europe. The injured count stands at 119, with 113 individuals identified, comprising Swiss, French, Italian, Serbian, Bosnian, Luxembourgish, Belgian, Portuguese, and Polish nationals, while the nationalities of 14 individuals remain unconfirmed.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are exploring various aspects including the bar’s previous renovations, materials used, fire safety systems, escape routes, and compliance with building inspection protocols. The scrutiny also extends to the acoustic-dampening foam in the basement ceiling and its role in the fire’s rapid expansion.
Residents of Crans-Montana, deeply affected by the calamity, mourned the loss of lives, with many expressing shock and sorrow. The community, joined by individuals paying respects near the scene, observed a moment of silence, depicting the widespread impact of the incident. Flags were lowered to half-mast for five days in Switzerland as a mark of mourning.
The investigation is aiming to establish accountabilities for the tragic event, with authorities emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of all factors contributing to the fire’s devastating consequences. Amidst the sorrow and shock, survivors and witnesses recount harrowing experiences, shedding light on the rapid escalation of the fire and the valiant efforts made to escape the inferno.