By Barney Henderson
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The deadly Switzerland nightclub fire on New Year's Eve that killed at least 40 people was likely caused by a sparkler from a Champagne bottle, officials have confirmed.
Pictures shared on social media showed the Champagne sparklers touching or very close to the ceiling of the nightclub in the ski resort of Crans-Montana.
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Officials said Friday that 40 people were killed and another 119 injured in the blaze while revelers were celebrating New Year's Eve.
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Champagne sparklers 'were too close to the ceiling'
Beatrice Pilloud, the Valais attorney general, said at a press conference Friday: "It would appear that the fire started from sparkler candles, otherwise known as flares, which were placed on top of Champagne bottles.
"These flares were taken too close to the ceiling. This led to what is referred to a flashover incident where the fire spread very rapidly."
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Foam in ceiling to be investigated
Pilloud was then asked in the press conference about a type of foam installed in the ceiling of the bar.
She said: "The investigations will focus on this foam that was installed in the bar, and the investigation will seek to determine whether this foam was for safety, compliance and whether it is the cause of the fire or not."
Shock and mourning after New Year's Eve tragedy
Late Thursday, mourners left candles and flowers in an impromptu memorial near the bar. Hundreds of others prayed for the victims at the nearby Church of Montana-Station.
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Pope Leo sent a telegram Friday to the bishop of Sion to express condolences and pray that "the Lord will welcome the deceased into His abode of peace and light, and will sustain the courage of those who suffer in their hearts or in their bodies."
Valais regional government head Mathias Reynard told RTS radio Friday: "We have numerous accounts of heroic actions, one could say, of very strong solidarity in the moment."
He lauded the work of emergency officials on the day after the fire but added "in the first minutes it was citizens—and in large part young people—who saved lives with their courage."
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Ski resort in the heart of the Alps
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the resort town of Crans-Montana sits amid one of Europe’s busiest winter tourism regions. As skiers crowd the slopes, local authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution in the coming days, warning that accidents could further strain medical services already under pressure during the peak season.
Home to high-altitude runs reaching nearly 3,000 meters (9,850 feet), Crans-Montana is a fixture on the World Cup circuit, surrounded by the snowy peaks and pine forests of the Valais region. The resort is set to host the world’s top men’s and women’s downhill skiers—including Lindsey Vonn—for their final competitions ahead of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February.
Beyond winter sports, the town is also known for its Crans-sur-Sierre golf club, which hosts the European Masters each August on one of the most scenic courses on the professional tour.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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