The investigation into the devastating New Year's Day fire at a Swiss resort bar, which led to the tragic loss of 40 lives, is focusing on the potential role of sparklers as the source of the blaze. According to Beatrice Pilloud, the Valais Attorney General, authorities are exploring the hypothesis that the fire may have originated from sparklers attached to champagne bottles that were positioned too close to the ceiling of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.
During a press conference held on Friday, Pilloud stated that investigators are actively interviewing witnesses and meticulously examining evidence from the wreckage. She emphasized that multiple hypotheses are being pursued based on the preliminary evidence gathered so far. "We currently assume that the fire was caused by sparklers attached to champagne bottles that came too close to the ceiling," she remarked, highlighting the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The catastrophic fire resulted in the tragic deaths of 40 individuals and left 119 others injured, as reported by local authorities. The rapid spread of the fire has raised significant concerns among investigators, who are now working to identify the deceased victims accurately. "No mistakes can be permitted. We need to give the correct remains back to the families," stated Pierre-Antoine Lengen, the head of the Swiss Judicial Police, emphasizing the importance of thorough identification.
Among the injured, 71 were identified as Swiss citizens, while 14 were French, 11 were Italian, and others hailed from Bosnia, Serbia, Portugal, and Belgium. The nationalities of 14 other injured victims remain undetermined at this time.
Pilloud indicated that further interviews are planned, including discussions with the two French managers of the bar. When asked about potential liabilities, she clarified that no penal liability has been identified thus far. Additionally, investigators are scrutinizing the building's safety measures and adherence to building regulations to understand better the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
This is an evolving story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The investigation into the fire at the Le Constellation bar continues, with a focus on ensuring accountability and understanding the factors that contributed to this catastrophic event.