Scrutiny turns to safety set-up after deadly Swiss bar blaze

Swiss prosecutors say a deadly New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana likely started when sparkling candles were held too close to the ceiling, triggering a fast-spreading blaze that killed at least 40 people.

Valais chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said preliminary findings suggest the flames spread rapidly after igniting material in the ceiling of the Le Constellation bar, where hundreds of mostly young people had gathered to celebrate. She said further forensic work would determine whether criminal responsibility could be established.

Witnesses told investigators they saw staff carrying so-called fountain candles on bottles of champagne shortly before the fire broke out.

Authorities are also examining the role of foam used for soundproofing in the basement venue, where the blaze quickly engulfed the space.

Emergency services responded within minutes, but the intensity of the fire left many victims severely burned.

Officials said identifying the dead would take several days, with foreign nationals believed to be among them. Only one victim, an Italian teenage golfer, has so far been formally identified.

Local residents said the bar was popular with teenagers and young adults. Under Swiss law, beer and wine can be consumed from the age of 16. Prosecutors said some of the victims may have been under that age.

One of the bar’s owners told Swiss media that the venue had passed several inspections in recent years and had complied with safety regulations.

Authorities said they were reviewing inspection records and whether any deficiencies had been reported to cantonal officials.

As the investigation continued, mourners gathered near the cordoned-off site, laying flowers and candles in tribute.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the fire as one of the worst tragedies the country has experienced, saying the loss of so many young lives had shocked the nation.

Police have begun reopening parts of the surrounding area, but investigators said many questions remain about how the celebration turned into disaster in a matter of seconds.

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