Investigators in the deadly New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Switzerland's Crans-Montana have identified party fountains on champagne bottles as the likely cause, igniting the ceiling. Updates include nationalities of the 119 injured, bar owners' distress, checks on safety compliance, and transfers to German hospitals.
Following the tragic fire on January 1 that killed 40 people—mostly young revelers—in the packed Le Constellation bar, new details have emerged. Prosecutors believe sparks from party fountains attached to champagne bottles ignited the ceiling, leading to the rapid blaze.
Among the 119 injured (113 identified: 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italians, 4 Serbs), many remain critical. Valais government president Mathias Reynard noted victim identification will take time due to the blaze's severity.
Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud announced inspections of soundproofing materials, fire extinguishers, and escape routes, with possible criminal charges if negligence is found. The bar owners, cooperating fully, expressed devastation; the owner told '20 Minutes': "We can't sleep or eat." His wife sustained minor injuries; no criminal fault indicated yet.
Germany has received 40 assistance requests for severe cases, with patients in Stuttgart, Tübingen, Ludwigshafen, and more en route to Berlin. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed shock online.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin's earlier support continues amid national mourning.