Uncertainty surrounds the origin of a tragic fire at a bar in a Swiss resort, as a video promoting the venue depicted individuals dancing with sparklers.
Speculation suggests that the fire at the bustling Le Constellation bar may have been caused by champagne bottles illuminated with sparklers during New Year’s celebrations. Eyewitnesses inside the bar claimed that a bar staff member was carrying a colleague on his shoulders while she held a lit candle in a bottle, potentially mistaken for a sparkler.
According to one witness, the fire started when a waiter, standing on another waiter’s shoulders, accidentally ignited the ceiling with a birthday candle, leading to rapid combustion.
Historical footage from 2024 at Le Constellation bar indicates a precedent of using sparklers in bottles, with several instances showing bottles held in close proximity to the ceiling.
Authorities suggest that the fire likely triggered the release of flammable gases, resulting in a violent ignition known as a flashover or backdraft, although the exact cause is yet to be officially determined.
A Dutch tourist, Lara, described the popular bar as predominantly wooden with a low ceiling.
Swiss police estimate that “several tens of people” may have perished, and approximately 100 individuals are injured, many of them in critical condition. Due to ongoing investigations and victim identification processes, precise fatality figures are currently unavailable.
Emergency services, including helicopters and ambulances, rushed to aid victims, including individuals from various nationalities.
The high volume of casualties has overwhelmed the intensive care unit and operating facilities at the local hospital, according to officials.
In a region popular for skiing tourists, authorities urge residents to exercise caution in the following days to prevent additional incidents that could strain already stretched medical resources.
Addressing the media shortly after the tragedy, regional government leader Mathias Renard lamented the evening’s turn from celebration to catastrophe.
Frederic Gisler, commander of the Valais Cantonal police, expressed deep sorrow over the event.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin conveyed condolences to the victims, the injured, and their families via social media.
This news story is developing. Stay updated on Google News, <a aria-label="FlipboardLink opens in a new tab." class