Investigators believe sparkling candles placed on champagne bottles sparked a deadly fire that tore through a crowded bar in a Swiss ski resort during New Year’s Eve celebrations, authorities said Friday.
Valais prosecutor general Beatrice Pilloud said the fire likely started when sparkler candles used in bottle service were brought too close to the ceiling of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, causing the flames to spread quickly and violently.
“The fire appears to have started from sparkly candles that were placed on top of the champagne bottles and were too close to the ceiling when the bottles were served,” Pilloud said at a press conference, according to Fox News.
“Forcible ignition” led to the jump
She explained that sparks ignited flammable gases and caused a flashover, a phenomenon in which flames suddenly and violently spread throughout an enclosed space.
Possible criminal liability under investigation
Pilloud warned that a criminal investigation could follow if negligence is proven.
“We will be able to investigate whether any individual is criminally responsible for this incident,” she said. “And if that’s the case and if these people are alive, all investigations will be opened for negligent fire, negligent homicide and negligent injury.”
Safety compliance is subject to investigation
Authorities said they would check whether the bar’s ceiling materials, including soundproofing, met fire safety regulations. Investigators will also assess whether sparkler candles, which emit upward-firing sparks, were permitted for indoor use at the venue.
Other safety measures examined include the availability and condition of fire extinguishers, as well as emergency exits and escape routes.
Big tolls
The fire broke out early on Thursday, killing 40 people and injuring 119 others, making it one of the deadliest tragedies in Swiss history.
Among the injured are 71 Swiss citizens, 14 French citizens and 11 Italians, along with people from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal and Poland. The nationalities of the 14 victims remain unclear.
