A memorial for the victims of a deadly New Year's fire in Switzerland caught fire early on Sunday, likely sparked by candles left burning inside, police said. The tribute, laden with flowers, candles and messages of condolence, was set up near the site of the tragedy at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.
The fire broke out shortly before 6am on Sunday, according to regional police in Valais. Emergency services quickly brought the blaze under control, and no injuries were reported. However, several commemorative objects were damaged by the flames, though a large book of remembrance was saved.
Police said an investigation has been opened, but initial reports indicate the fire started near candles placed on a table in the centre of the memorial. Third-party involvement has been ruled out. The memorial had originally been placed in front of the burned-out bar but was recently moved further away.
The original fire on 1 January killed 41 people and injured 115, mostly teenagers and young adults. Investigators believe it started when champagne bottles with sparklers were raised too close to the ceiling, igniting sound insulation foam. The bar's co-owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face charges of manslaughter and arson by negligence.
