Officials have provided an update on the tragic incident at a Swiss ski resort where a fire claimed the lives of 40 individuals. The primary focus of the investigation points towards sparklers used in a crowded bar as the potential cause of the fire.
During a press conference, Valais attorney general Beatrice Pilloud acknowledged that social media footage depicted sparklers being dangerously close to the ceiling in the bustling bar. She likened these sparklers to common “birthday cake candles” readily available for purchase.
Online images captured the moment when the sparklers ignited foam panels on the ceiling, leading to a rapid spread of the fire throughout the basement bar. Authorities are now exploring whether the use of sparklers in enclosed spaces was permitted.
Pilloud mentioned, “Preliminary findings suggest that the fire originated from sparkler candles, also known as flares, placed atop champagne bottles. Unfortunately, these flares were brought into close proximity to the ceiling, triggering a swift propagation of the fire.”
Additionally, investigators will scrutinize the safety standards of the foam ceiling to determine its compliance with regulations.
The recent press briefing marked the third update provided by authorities following the New Year’s Eve tragedy. The identification process for the 40 victims is ongoing, with experts examining fingerprints, objects, clothing, and DNA samples to establish their identities.
According to Valais Canton police chief Frederic Gisler, 113 out of 119 survivors have been positively identified. The victims hailed from various nationalities and were celebrating New Year at the packed Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana ski resort.
The first victim to be named was Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old Italian teen golfer, as confirmed by the Italian Golf Federation. The Federation expressed condolences for the loss of a “young athlete renowned for his passion and authentic values” and extended sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Eyewitnesses have recounted distressing scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the bar believed to have caught fire from sparklers attached to champagne bottles. Family and friends are utilizing social media platforms to seek information on missing individuals.