A tragic New Year’s Day fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has claimed the lives of 40 people and injured 119 others, authorities confirmed. Investigators now believe the blaze was sparked by sparklers placed on champagne bottles, which came too close to the ceiling, igniting a deadly fire that spread rapidly.

How the Fire Started

According to Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud, preliminary findings suggest the fire began when sparkling candles or sparklers on bottles of champagne touched the bar’s ceiling. The blaze escalated quickly, leaving patrons with little time to escape.

“Everything leads us to think that the fire started from sparkling candles – or sparklers – which were put on bottles of champagne that were moved too close to the ceiling. From that, a blaze began very quickly,” said Ms. Pilloud during a news conference.

Photos verified by BBC Verify show lit sparklers attached to bottles inside Le Constellation nightclub, the site of the deadly incident.

Casualties and Injuries

The fire resulted in 40 fatalities, with many of the victims still being formally identified. Police commander Frédéric Gisler said identification of the deceased is a top priority.

Among the 119 injured, several remain in critical condition. Around 50 victims have been transferred to specialized burn treatment centers across Europe. Of those injured, 113 have been identified, including:

• 71 Swiss citizens
• 14 French nationals
• 11 Italians
• 4 Serbs

Notable victims include 19-year-old French footballer Tahirys Dos Santos, who suffered severe burns and was airlifted to Germany for treatment.

Families of missing persons continue to anxiously await updates. Among them is 16-year-old Italian Achille Barosi, who entered the bar early on New Year’s Day to retrieve personal items and has not been heard from since.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, focusing on:

• The materials used in the bar and ceiling construction
• Compliance with fire safety regulations
• Bar capacity at the time of the incident
• Whether criminal prosecutions are warranted

Ms. Pilloud confirmed that the two French managers of the bar have been interviewed, along with survivors, helping authorities compile a list of patrons present during the fire.

Officials also reported that the bar had more than one exit, though it is not yet clear whether emergency exits were accessible during the incident. Investigators are also examining whether ceiling materials, including foam, complied with building regulations.

“It’s essential we don’t make any assumptions… leave us to do our work,” said Ms. Pilloud.

Eyewitness Accounts

Local witnesses described the chaos and panic as the fire spread.

• Lea Zehnder, 22, said she heard screams from Le Constellation and witnessed patrons with severe burns being helped by bystanders.
• Tristan Fischer, 20, reported that his 17-year-old brother had to smash windows to rescue people trapped inside, and he fears the incident has affected his brother’s mental health.

Community Response and National Mourning

The fire has deeply impacted Crans-Montana, with families and friends of victims gathering near the bar. People have left flowers, candles, and messages at a makeshift shrine, while a conference center is providing support for the families of those affected.

A national mourning ceremony will be held in Crans-Montana on 9 January, allowing the community and wider public to come together to honor the victims of this devastating tragedy.