Crans-Montana, Switzerland — Investigators believe that sparkling candles attached to Champagne bottles ignited the devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a crowded bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people and injuring 119 others, authorities said Friday.
Officials said the upward-shooting sparklers likely came too close to the ceiling of Le Constellation, a popular bar packed with revelers celebrating the new year. The flames rapidly spread, igniting materials overhead and triggering one of the deadliest tragedies in Switzerland’s history.
Authorities are now investigating whether the ceiling’s soundproofing materials complied with fire safety regulations. The sparklers involved were the type commonly used at parties and celebrations, officials said.
Survivors described scenes of chaos and desperation as the fire tore through the venue early Thursday morning. Among them was Axel Clavier, a 16-year-old from Paris, who told the Associated Press that he felt as though he was suffocating inside the smoke-filled bar.
Clavier escaped by forcing open a window with a table, but one of his friends was among those who died. He said several others were still unaccounted for hours after the blaze. Police said many of the injured were teenagers and young adults in their early 20s.
Witnesses told French broadcaster BFMTV that the fire may have started when waitresses entered the bar carrying Champagne bottles topped with burning sparklers. One account described a bartender lifting a colleague on his shoulders as she held a lit candle, moments before flames spread and the wooden ceiling collapsed.
Another witness described a terrifying crush as patrons attempted to flee the basement nightclub through a narrow staircase and doorway. Others smashed windows to escape as panicked parents rushed to the scene searching for their children.
Emergency responders and bystanders worked frantically to rescue victims. Valais regional government head Mathias Reynard praised the courage of citizens, especially young people, who acted quickly before authorities arrived.
“We have numerous accounts of heroic actions and strong solidarity,” Reynard said.
The severity of the burns has complicated the identification of victims, forcing families to provide DNA samples. Many bodies were unrecognizable, and personal identification documents were destroyed in the fire.
Among the missing is Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old Italian golfer who competed internationally. Italy’s foreign minister said 13 Italian citizens were injured and six remained missing as of Friday. Galeppini’s family is awaiting DNA confirmation, though the Italian Golf Federation has announced his death.
Late Thursday, mourners gathered near the bar, leaving candles and flowers at an impromptu memorial. Hundreds more attended prayers at the nearby Church of Montana-Station. Pope Leo sent condolences, praying that the deceased would be welcomed “into peace and light” and that comfort would be granted to the grieving.
Nestled in the Valais region, Crans-Montana is a major international ski destination, hosting elite alpine competitions and the European Masters golf tournament each year. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the resort as investigations continue.
Credit: Associated Press
