Sparklers on Champagne Bottles Suspected in Deadly Swiss Bar Fire

Crans-Montana, Switzerland – A fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, likely caused by sparklers placed on champagne bottles, resulted in 40 deaths and 119 injuries in the early hours of New Year's Day. According to authorities, the flames ignited when the sparklers came "too close to the ceiling." The New York Times reported that many of the victims were teenagers in the basement of the bar.

The incident has prompted investigations into the bar's fire safety measures, the materials used in its construction, its capacity, and the number of people inside at the time of the fire, according to Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud. Pilloud told a news conference on Friday that the investigation would explore whether prosecutions will be necessary.

The fire has raised concerns about safety regulations and the effectiveness of emergency responses in crowded venues, according to the New York Times. Families have been desperately searching for information about the injured.

The BBC reported that footage showed a person attempting to extinguish the flames during the deadly blaze.

The investigation is ongoing.