An initial inquiry indicates that the tragic fire at a Swiss ski resort bar on New Year’s Eve, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 individuals and injuring numerous others, was likely ignited by “fountain candles” affixed to champagne bottles and brought too close to the ceiling, as stated by the local prosecutor on Friday.
Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud revealed during a press briefing that all signs point to the fire originating from the burning candles or ‘Bengal lights’ on the champagne bottles, which were elevated near the ceiling. The situation quickly escalated into a widespread blaze.
The officials emphasized that the sparkling candles are commonly found in retail stores and typically used for celebratory occasions like birthdays. Pilloud outlined the progress of the investigation into the incident at Le Constellation bar in the luxurious Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland.
Furthermore, authorities are exploring whether a foam layer in the ceiling related to acoustics complied with safety standards but have not reached definitive conclusions yet. No criminal responsibility has been determined as of now.
Meanwhile, the painstaking process of identifying the deceased continued on Friday. Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old Italian international golfer residing in Dubai, was the initial victim publicly identified. The severe burns suffered by the predominantly young attendees may prolong the identification process, with over 100 individuals injured, many severely.
The injured, including 50 young revelers, are being or will be transferred to specialized burn units across Europe, as conveyed by Mathias Reynard, the head of the government of the Swiss canton of Valais. The tally of injuries stood at 119, with 113 individuals identified, according to reporters.
Various nationalities were among the injured, with 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French, and 11 Italians, alongside citizens from Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland. The nationalities of 14 individuals remained uncertain.
Families of missing youths made emotional appeals for information about their loved ones, while foreign embassies scrambled to ascertain if their citizens were involved in the tragic incident. Global Affairs Canada stated that there were no reports of Canadian citizens impacted by the event.
Swiss officials reported approximately 40 fatalities, while Italian authorities indicated a death toll of 47 based on information provided by Swiss authorities.
Survivors and social media footage suggested that the bar’s basement ceiling may have caught fire due to the proximity of the sparkling candles, aligning with initial investigative findings. Italy’s foreign minister highlighted that numerous interviews have been conducted to establish accountability for the calamity.
The investigation will scrutinize past renovations at the Constellation bar, the materials used, fire suppression systems, escape routes, and the number of patrons present during the fire outbreak. Authorities are examining the acoustic-dampening foam in the basement ceiling to assess its compliance with regulations and its role in the fire’s rapid spread.
Residents of Crans-Montana expressed shock over the tragic incident, with hundreds gathering near the site to pay respects to the victims. The town observed a moment of silence, and the national flag will be flown at half-mast for five days in mourning.
The bodies of the deceased have been removed from the bar, with investigations ongoing to determine the cause of the fire. Italy’s foreign minister is set to visit Crans-Montana, and several nations reported missing citizens. The Italian Golf Federation mourned the loss of Emanuele Galeppini, acknowledging him as one of the casualties.
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