Swiss prosecutors have opened an investigation for negligent homicide following a severe fire at the Le Constellation bar in the upscale resort town of Crans-Montana. A mysterious "champagne bottle firework" ignited soundproof foam on the ceiling, causing temperatures to soar to 600 degrees Celsius and burning victims beyond easy identification. Most victims were young people.
The state prosecutor of Valais, Switzerland, announced progress in the case of the severe fire inside the Le Constellation bar during a New Year's Eve party. The incident resulted in 40 deaths and over 119 injuries. Authorities have now initiated a criminal investigation against two unnamed bar managers on charges of negligence causing death, severe injury, and negligent arson.
Beatrice Pilloud, chief prosecutor of Valais, stated that preliminary evidence suggests the fire started after staff brought in a "champagne bottle firework," whose sparks came into contact with soundproof foam installed on the basement ceiling where people were dancing, causing a rapid fire that spread throughout the building.
Blaise Jans, Switzerland's Minister of Justice, described the event as one of the country’s greatest tragedies. At the time of the fire, temperatures inside the building reached 500–600 degrees Celsius, making victim identification extremely difficult due to the intense heat.
So far, authorities have confirmed the identities of only some victims, including Emanuele Galepini, a member of the Italian national junior golf team. Other identified victims are Swiss youths aged 16 to 21. Reports indicate some victims may be under 16, as the bar was very popular among teenagers (in Switzerland, beer and wine consumption is permitted from age 16).
Jacques Moretti, one of the bar owners, told local media that over the past decade, his establishment had passed three safety inspections and strictly followed all regulations. However, officials will review the building's renovation history, fire suppression systems, emergency exits, and the number of patrons present at the time to determine if legal limits were exceeded.
The incident has deeply shaken the local community, with some residents calling for an independent investigation to ensure justice for the victims and their families amid the ongoing atmosphere of grief enveloping this ski resort town.
. Reuters