Investigators say ceiling-level sparklers caused a fast-moving blaze that killed about 40 people
Investigators believe a celebratory display involving champagne bottles topped with fountain sparklers sparked the deadly fire that tore through a packed bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing about 40 people and leaving more than 100 injured.
Prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud said evidence strongly suggests that burning candles, known as Bengal lights, were mounted on champagne bottles and held too close to the ceiling during New Year celebrations. She told reporters that everything points to the sparklers igniting ceiling materials, triggering a blaze that spread with devastating speed.
Mobile phone footage and witness accounts show the fire erupted rapidly and engulfed the venue within moments. Pilloud described the conflagration as “very rapid and widespread,” leaving little time for those inside to escape.
The fire broke out at around 1.30am on Thursday inside Le Constellation bar, which was crowded with mostly young people marking the arrival of the new year. Flames quickly filled the basement area where the party was being held, causing panic as smoke and heat spread through the confined space.
Investigators are now examining whether the bar complied with safety regulations. Their inquiry will focus on the materials used in the bar’s renovation, particularly in the basement, as well as its operating licence, fire extinguishers, emergency exits and the number of people inside when the fire began.
Images circulating online appear to show the basement ceiling clad in foam soundproofing panels catching fire as sparklers were raised overhead. Fire experts have warned that such materials can burn extremely quickly if they are not properly fireproofed, allowing flames to spread horizontally in seconds.
Valais regional president Mathias Reynard said authorities were working urgently to identify the victims, many of whom suffered severe burns. He described the process as slow and deeply sensitive, with experts relying on dental records, DNA samples and clothing descriptions to confirm identities. Officials said the task could take several days.
Among the victims identified so far is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old Italian international golfer who lived in Dubai. Tributes described him as a young athlete defined by passion and strong values.
Police confirmed that 119 people were injured, with 113 already identified. The injured include dozens of Swiss nationals, as well as people from France, Italy, Serbia, Bosnia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland and Portugal. Hospital officials said many victims sustained injuries that will require long-term treatment.
Regional health officials warned that a large number of those injured remain in critical condition. They explained that third-degree burns covering more than 15% of an adult’s body carry a serious risk of death.
Authorities have not yet established criminal liability. Prosecutors stressed the importance of avoiding assumptions while the investigation continues. Bar owners have been questioned but not under caution. If grounds emerge, investigators could open proceedings for negligent arson, negligent homicide and negligent bodily harm.
Witnesses described staff holding champagne bottles with sparklers high above their heads as part of a routine show for customers. Several survivors said the sparklers were raised too close to the ceiling moments before flames erupted.
Concerns have also been raised about the bar’s layout. Survivors described a narrow staircase as the only exit from the basement, which reportedly could host up to 300 people.
The disaster has left the close-knit mountain community in shock. Residents gathered in silence near the bar, laying flowers and lighting candles in memory of the dead. Messages left at the scene spoke of lives lost far too young.Swiss authorities announced five days of national mourning, calling the tragedy one of the most traumatic events in the country’s history. A memorial ceremony is planned to allow the community to collectively grieve and honour those who died.