A deadly fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, likely sparked by sparklers on champagne bottles, claimed the lives of 40 people and injured 119 in the early hours of New Year's Day. The blaze has prompted investigations into safety regulations and emergency response effectiveness at the venue.

According to authorities, the fire appears to have been ignited when sparklers placed on champagne bottles came "too close to the ceiling," BBC World reported. The New York Times noted that many of the victims were teenagers located in the bar's basement.

Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated at a news conference on Friday that the investigation would focus on several key areas, including the materials used in the bar's construction, the adequacy of its fire safety measures, its maximum capacity, and the actual number of people inside the bar at the time of the fire. Pilloud added that the investigation would explore whether prosecutions would be necessary.

The incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols in crowded venues and the speed and efficiency of the emergency response. Families have been desperately seeking information about the injured, according to the New York Times. The investigation is ongoing.