Newly released videos and photographs have shed further light on the deadly fire that tore through a crowded nightlife venue in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations, killing 47 people and injuring more than 115 others.
The footage, now circulating on social media and cited by several Swiss, French and Italian media outlets, appears to show champagne bottles topped with sparklers being held close to the venueโs ceiling moments before flames erupted. Investigators believe the sparklers may have ignited fabric and curtains lining the ceiling, causing the fire to spread rapidly through the bar.
According to eyewitness accounts, the blaze escalated within seconds, producing thick smoke and intense heat that prevented many patrons from reaching the exits. Several survivors reported hearing what sounded like an explosion as the fire took hold, plunging the venue into chaos.
Authorities in the canton of Valais confirmed that many of the victims are young and that a number have yet to be formally identified. Hospitals across the region remain on high alert, with several injured still in critical condition.
While the official cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, a criminal investigation has been opened. Cantonal Attorney General Bรฉatrice Pilloud said multiple hypotheses are being examined. โSeveral witnesses have been interviewed. Cell phones have also been recovered for analysis,โ she said, adding that the leading theory at present involves a fast-spreading fire that may have triggered an explosion.
Witnesses said the use of sparklers attached to champagne bottles was a common spectacle at the venue. One survivor described seeing waitresses and patrons holding the bottles aloft moments before the ceiling caught fire. Images from inside the bar also show foam ceiling panels used for soundproofing, a material that may have contributed to the rapid spread of flames.
Investigators are also examining whether a phenomenon known as a โflashoverโ occurred. A flashover happens when superheated gases cause all combustible materials in a room to ignite almost simultaneously. โFlashover is when itโs no longer individual objects on fire – the entire room is on fire,โ explained Steve Kerber, Vice President and Executive Director of the Fire Safety Research Institute.
Officials said smoke was first reported at around 1:30 a.m., with the fire alarm triggered shortly afterwards. Police and gendarmerie patrols arrived within minutes, while firefighters worked to contain the blaze and secure the site.
The tragedy has shocked Switzerland and the wider European community, casting a dark shadow over New Year celebrations in the popular Alpine resort. Authorities have reiterated their condolences to the victimsโ families as the investigation continues and further updates are expected in the coming days.
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