Swiss investigators say sparklers ignited a fire that killed 40 at a New Year’s party, with survivors suffering severe inhalation burns.
CRANS-MONTANA: Sparklers held near a foam-clad ceiling likely ignited a blaze that killed 40 New Year’s revellers in a Swiss ski bar, authorities said.
Investigators focused on the sparklers after reviewing mobile phone footage from the Le Constellation bar basement party.
Videos show sparklers stuck in champagne bottles held close to the soundproofing foam ceiling, with the material catching fire as patrons danced.
“Everything suggests that the fire started from sparklers or Bengal candles” waved high near the ceiling, said chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud.
Chaos broke out when party-goers realised the danger, with witnesses describing people trying to break windows to escape.
Most of the 119 survivors were critically injured, overloading Swiss hospitals and forcing dozens to be transferred to neighbouring countries.
Bar owner Jacques Moretti insisted to Swiss media that “everything was done according to the regulations.”
Pilloud said the application of those safety standards was a focus of the ongoing investigation.
The Morettis have been questioned as witnesses, with no liability established yet.
Authorities warned it could take days to identify all the victims, leaving families in an agonising wait.
Police commander Frederic Gisler said 113 of the 119 survivors had been identified, with efforts continuing to name the rest.
The injured included 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French, 11 Italian, and individuals from several other European countries.
Hospital director Eric Bonvin said patients suffered burns, fractures, and symptoms of suffocation from the panicked rush.
Many had severe inhalation burns that are “extremely complex and difficult” to treat, requiring specialised care abroad.
As authorities moved bodies from the burned-out bar, locals described the resort as stunned by the tragedy.
“The atmosphere is heavy,” said tourist Dejan Bajic, noting the close-knit community’s widespread impact.
Witnesses described horrific scenes, with one local calling the aftermath “the apocalypse.”
