Investigators believe that fountain sparklers mounted on champagne bottles and held too close to the ceiling sparked the deadly fire that tore through a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing about 40 people and injuring more than 100.
Prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud said on Friday that mobile phone footage and witness statements showed that “a rapid, very rapid and widespread conflagration ensued” after the sparklers, also known as Bengal lights, were lit. The fire broke out at about 1.30am on Thursday at Le Constellation bar, which was packed with mostly young people celebrating the new year.
Pilloud told a press conference in Sion that the investigation would examine the bar’s compliance with safety regulations, including the materials used in its renovation, its operating licence, the availability of fire extinguishers and emergency exits, and the number of people present. One image circulating online appeared to show the ceiling clad with foam soundproofing panels catching fire as the sparklers were held aloft.
The president of the Valais regional government, Mathias Reynard, said authorities were working as fast as possible to identify the victims, many of whom had been severely burned, using dental records, DNA samples and clothing descriptions. The first victim identified was Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old Italian golfer from Dubai.
Police chief Frédéric Gisler said 119 people had been injured, 113 of whom had been identified, including 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italians, four Serbs, and others from Bosnia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland and Portugal. The director of the regional hospital in Sion, Eric Bonvin, said the type of injuries would need long-term treatment.
Pilloud said no criminal liability had yet been established, but if grounds were found, an investigation would be opened for negligent arson, negligent homicide, and negligent bodily injury. A ceremony will be held on 9 January in Crans-Montana to remember the victims.
