A tragic fire at a ski resort in Switzerland that claimed the lives of around 40 individuals had a concerning connection to the Grenfell Tower disaster, potentially contributing to the rapid spread of the blaze.
The devastating incident occurred at Le Constellation, a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, shortly after 1:30 am on January 1 during a New Year celebration. Witnesses reported seeing staff entering the bar carrying champagne bottles and sparklers just before the fire erupted. Investigators suspect that a sparkler ignited the bar’s ceiling, causing the fire to quickly engulf the premises.
A former firefighter, Steve Dudney, highlighted similarities between the insulation foam used in the Swiss bar and the material that lined Grenfell Tower when it caught fire in 2017. Dudney pointed out that videos from the scene showed the ceiling igniting rapidly, indicating the presence of highly flammable polyurethane foam, similar to what was found in Grenfell Tower.
Footage captured at the scene depicted flames consuming the bar’s roof, with a sparkler appearing to trigger the fire on the ceiling lining. Dudney emphasized the dangers of using polyurethane-based soundproofing foam near open flames, regardless of their size. He underscored that such flammable materials should not be present in areas prone to fire risks.
The Swiss prosecutor, Béatrice Pilloud, stated that the fire likely started from sparklers attached to champagne bottles, leading to the ignition of the ceiling. Investigations are ongoing to determine the materials involved in the incident, as well as examining emergency exits, fire safety equipment, and the bar’s capacity.
Pilloud mentioned that it is unclear if criminal charges will be filed, noting that the bar owners have been questioned but not as suspects. If liability is established, the prosecutor mentioned the possibility of investigating for negligent arson, homicide, and bodily harm.
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