A fire at a bar in a Swiss ski resort appears to have been caused by sparklers placed on bottles of champagne that came too close to the ceiling, authorities said.
Forty people died after the blaze in the early hours of New Year's Day in Crans-Montana, while 119 were injured.
Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud told a news conference on Friday that the investigation would focus on the materials used on the site, the bar's fire safety measures, its capacity, and the number of people inside at the time of the fire.
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, Ms. Pilloud explained.
Authorities are prioritizing the formal identification of the deceased, with a significant number of critical injuries reported among survivors. Many victims have been airlifted to specialized burn centers across Europe.
The investigation continues, with potential prosecutions being considered dependent on the outcome of investigations regarding compliance with building regulations and safety protocols.
Le Constellation, where the incident occurred, is known to accommodate large crowds and had been a popular venue for celebrations, making the tragedy even more impactful across the community.
