CHANDIGARH, Jan 3 — Champagne bottle sparklers held close to a bar ceiling may have triggered a deadly fire during New Year’s celebrations in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana, killing about 40 people, local officials said.
The blaze broke out shortly after 1:30 a.m. at the Le Constellation bar, where authorities believe decorative sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited the ceiling and caused a rapid flashover, according to Swiss investigators quoted by CNN.
Swiss prosecutors have opened an investigation to determine whether criminal responsibility is involved.
Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frederic Gisler said smoke was first noticed coming from the bar in the centre of the ski resort before an emergency call was placed.
“A red alert was immediately issued to mobilise firefighting services,” Gisler told reporters at a press conference in Crans-Montana.
Police and gendarmerie units reached the scene within minutes, arriving at around 1:32 a.m., followed by additional emergency responders.
“Our first task was obviously to take care of the victims and provide emergency assistance,” Gisler said. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze quickly, allowing investigators to begin their initial work soon after, he added.
Authorities set up reception centres for those affected by the incident, and a helpline was launched at 4:14 a.m. to assist families seeking information.
“All injured people had received care shortly after 5 a.m. thanks to this large-scale mobilisation,” Gisler said.
Officials warned that identifying those who died could take several days, prolonging the wait for grieving families.
“Currently and in the days to come, the priority will be identifying the people who have died so that their bodies can be returned quickly to their families,” Gisler said.
