CHANDIGARH, JAN 3 — Swiss authorities are investigating whether champagne sparklers used during a New Year’s party sparked a deadly fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, killing approximately 40 people.
Officials said the fire erupted at the Le Constellation bar shortly after 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, spreading rapidly through the venue after sparklers attached to champagne bottles were reportedly held too close to the ceiling.
The incident triggered a swift emergency response, according to Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frederic Gisler.
“Moments after smoke was seen coming from the bar, a witness contacted the emergency call centre,” Gisler said. “A red alert was issued immediately.”
The first police and gendarmerie teams arrived within two minutes of the call, followed by firefighters and medical personnel, CNN reported.
“The priority was to assist victims and provide emergency care,” Gisler said, adding that firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control quickly.
Once the fire was extinguished, investigators began examining the scene, while Swiss prosecutors opened a probe into possible criminal responsibility.
Authorities later established reception centres for survivors and others affected by the incident. A public helpline was launched at 4:14 a.m. to help families obtain information.
“All injured individuals had been treated by shortly after 5 a.m. due to the wide mobilisation of emergency services,” Gisler said.
Officials cautioned that confirming the identities of those killed would take time, as forensic work continues.
“In the coming days, the priority will be to identify the deceased so they can be returned to their families as soon as possible,” Gisler said.
