Investigators are racing to establish how and why the deadly New Year's Eve fire at a bar in a Swiss ski resort spread so rapidly. Authorities confirmed that sparklers attached to champagne bottles held too close to the ceiling ignited the blaze in the basement of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.
With 40 fatalities and 119 injuries reported, questions are now focused on the pace of the fire's spread and the bar's safety record. BBC Verify analyzed videos from the event, providing visuals that might explain the swift escalation of the flames.
Striking images shared online depict patrons circulating with bottles bearing lit sparklers, some showing flames developing on the ceiling above them. The potential role of a foam-like padding on the bar's ceiling is also under scrutiny. Fire safety experts revealed that if untreated, polyurethane foam, often utilized as soundproofing, can be highly flammable.
“Once ignited, polyurethane acoustic foam can exhibit rapid flame spread, producing toxic smoke that heightens fire risk,” noted Dr. Peter Wilkinson from Loughborough University. The Swiss authorities are investigating compliance with safety standards regarding these materials.
Authorities indicated that fire safety inspections should occur annually for establishments of Le Constellation's size, yet they are still verifying previous inspection results.
Adding another layer of complexity to the incident, the number of available exits from the bar is being evaluated. Videos from that night suggested that during chaotic evacuation efforts through a narrow staircase, patrons struggled to escape as the fire spread.
With reports indicating that the sparklers were used frequently at the venue in past events, investigators are also examining whether the entertainment format contributed to the disaster.
This tragic event underscores the critical need for rigorous adherence to fire safety regulations and the importance of awareness for both operators and patrons in high-risk environments.
