Swiss authorities have confirmed new details following the devastating fire at a popular ski bar in Crans-Montana, as officials addressed the media at a press conference this afternoon.
During the briefing, police and emergency services confirmed the cause of the blaze. Authorities said the fire seems to have been started as a result of flares sparkler candles, known as flares, which were placed on top of champagne bottles. These bottles were taken too close to the ceilings and a flashover incident occurred where fire spread rapidly.
Authorities are still working to identify the victims and injured people, while stressing that the formal identification process remains ongoing and that not all families have yet been notified. Officials said the confirmed death toll stands at 40, with 119 people injured, several of whom remain in a serious or critical condition in hospital.
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Of the 119 injured, 113 have been formally identified. Of the formally identified, 71 are of Swiss nationality, 14 French nationals, 11 Italians and four Serbians, among others. No Brits are known to have been injured currently. However, six of the injured still have not been identified. Around 50 patients will be transferred to European countries to specialist burns centres.
Authorities are working to identify the 40 people who have died, with officials stating they are relying on support of specialists across Switzerland.
The fire broke out in the early hours of New Year’s Day in the basement of Le Constellation, a well-known venue in the centre of the Alpine resort, before spreading rapidly through the building.
Investigators provided the update on the cause of the blaze, confirming that inquiries are continuing and that multiple lines of investigation remain open. They said if anyone is criminally responsible, they will be investigated for fire by negligence, homicide by negligence and injury by negligence. They again highlighted concerns surrounding the layout of the basement area, including limited escape routes.
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Fire officials said forensic examinations of the site are ongoing and will focus on how quickly the fire developed, the materials inside the venue, and whether the conditions contributed to what they described as a “flashover” event.
Police also confirmed that witness statements are still being collected and analysed, and urged anyone with additional information, footage or images from inside or near the venue to come forward.
Addressing the victims’ families, officials said specialist support teams remain in place and that efforts are continuing to formally identify all those affected and ensure relatives are kept informed.
(Image: LinkedIn)
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. But authorities said the identification process could take weeks, even months, because of the nature of burn injuries.
A ceremony will be held on Friday, January 9, which will be an opportunity for local people to come together to share moment of grief and mourning with the nation, while a book of condolences will be posted online on Saturday for people to send messages of support.
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