A haunting image has emerged showing the moment sparklers appeared to ignite the ceiling of a packed ski resort bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, triggering a deadly New Year's fire that killed at least 40 people and injured 115 others.
The blaze tore through Le Constellation Bar in the early hours of yesterday morning as revellers celebrated the new year. Swiss authorities are investigating the cause, but witnesses reported seeing a barman lift a female colleague on his shoulders as she held a sparkler in a bottle. The flames quickly spread across the wooden ceiling, causing it to collapse.
One survivor described a frantic crowd surge as people tried to escape from the basement nightclub up a narrow staircase and through a small door. The bar is popular with British tourists, though it is not yet known if any UK nationals are among the victims. The Foreign Office said it stands ready to support any affected British citizens.
Valais Canton police commander Frédéric Gisler said the community is “devastated” and that efforts are underway to identify the victims. Attorney general Beatrice Pilloud confirmed that it is too early to determine the fire's cause, and that no suspects have been arrested. The investigation will also look into the bar's maximum capacity, which remains unknown.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin, sworn in on the day of the tragedy, said emergency workers faced “scenes of indescribable violence and distress”. Mourners placed flowers and candles near the scene last night, paying their respects in sub-zero temperatures.
