Sparklers on Champagne Bottles Suspected Cause of Deadly Swiss Bar Fire

Crans-Montana, Switzerland – A fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, likely sparked by sparklers on champagne bottles, resulted in the deaths of 40 people and injured 119 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 blaze prompted investigations into potential safety regulation violations and the effectiveness of emergency response in crowded venues. The New York Times reported that many of the victims were teenagers located in the bar's basement.

Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud stated at a Friday news conference that the investigation would focus on several key factors, including the materials used in the bar's construction, the fire safety measures in place, the bar's capacity, and the number of people present at the time of the fire. Pilloud added that the investigation would determine whether prosecutions are necessary, according to the BBC.

The incident has left families desperately searching for information about the injured. The investigation is ongoing.