A memorial for the 41 victims of a deadly New Year's party fire in Switzerland was itself destroyed by flames early on Sunday, likely caused by candles left burning, police said.
The makeshift tribute, laden with flowers, candles and messages, had been set up near the site of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. It caught fire shortly before 6am, but no one was injured, according to Valais regional police.
Emergency services quickly brought the blaze under control, though several commemorative objects were damaged. A large book of remembrance, filled with condolence messages, was saved.
An investigation has been opened, but police said initial reports indicate the fire started near candles on a table in the centre of the memorial, ruling out third-party involvement.
The original inferno on 1 January is believed to have been sparked 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 manslaughter and arson charges, while local officials are also under investigation.
Family members expressed consternation at the memorial fire. Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, whose 16-year-old son Arthur died, posted on Facebook: 'It is the municipality's responsibility to ensure a memorial that is secure.'
