Initial findings indicate that a devastating blaze at a Swiss ski resort bar on New Year’s Eve, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 40 individuals and leaving numerous others injured, likely originated from “fountain candles” fastened to champagne bottles that were mistakenly brought too close to the ceiling, according to local authorities. The candles, resembling those commonly used for birthday celebrations, are believed to have ignited the fire, leading to a rapid and extensive spread of the flames, as explained by prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud during a recent press briefing.
The ongoing investigation at Le Constellation bar in the upscale Crans-Montana resort also includes scrutiny of a foam layer in the ceiling associated with acoustics to determine its compliance with safety regulations. Despite the intense efforts to identify the victims, no criminal liability has been established thus far.
Among the injured, 50 partygoers, mostly young individuals, are being or will be transferred to specialized burn units across Europe, with a total of 119 injured persons, including 113 identified individuals, as per Mathias Reynard, the government head of the Swiss canton of Valais. The injured comprise nationals from various countries, including Switzerland, France, Italy, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland, with 14 individuals’ nationalities yet to be confirmed.
The heart-wrenching task of identifying the deceased continues, with dental and DNA samples being utilized for this purpose. The first publicly identified victim is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old Italian golfer living in Dubai. The comprehensive process of naming all the deceased, owing to the severity of burns, is expected to take time, as emphasized by Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud.
The investigation into the inferno, treated as a fire incident and not an attack, will delve into multiple aspects, including building renovations, fire safety measures, and the number of occupants present during the fire outbreak. The tragic event has deeply impacted residents of Crans-Montana, prompting a collective mourning and reflection on the unforeseen disaster that unfolded in their close-knit community.
As nations mourn the loss of their citizens and await further details on the incident, the Swiss authorities, along with international counterparts, are committed to uncovering the causes behind this calamity and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.