The investigation has identified the cause of the fire in Switzerland: 40 dead due to pyrotechnics in a bar.

According to ТСН: Swiss authorities have officially announced the cause of the catastrophic fire at the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. The tragedy claimed the lives of 40 people, and the cause was an explosion of pyrotechnic materials attached to champagne bottles.

Fatal mistake during the party

The Attorney General of the Valais canton, Beatrice Pilloud, reported at a press conference that the fire broke out due to the use of sparklers or pyrotechnic candles while serving alcohol. The bottles were held too close to the ceiling, and the flames quickly spread to the room's structures. Eyewitness accounts confirm that the fire spread 'extremely quickly and extensively.'

According to police data, the death of 40 individuals has already been confirmed, and 119 people were injured, most of whom are in critical condition. Many of the injured had to be placed in artificial comas due to severe respiratory burns.

To rescue people, an international operation was organized involving 41 ambulances and 13 helicopters, including those from France and Italy. Among the identified victims are citizens of Switzerland, France, Italy, and Serbia.

Investigation and criminal responsibility

The investigation is examining the owners of the venue and the party organizers, focusing on the following aspects:

• compliance with fire safety regulations and the functioning of fire extinguishers;

• the condition of evacuation routes and the possibility of access to them in times of panic;

• the real number of people compared to the official capacity of the bar;

• the quality of materials used in the interior decoration.

If guilt is proven, the guilty parties could be charged with manslaughter and causing serious bodily harm.

Due to severe injuries, the identification process is ongoing under large-scale disaster protocols. Specialists are using DNA testing, dental records, and personal belongings analysis. Authorities are urging relatives to be patient, emphasizing the need to avoid mistakes. Member of the State Council, Stefan Ganzer, described this incident as an 'unprecedented tragedy in the history of the canton.'

It should be noted that New Year's Eve at the elite ski resort of Crans-Montana has become one of the most horrific tragedies in Swiss history. Due to the fire in the popular bar, around 40 people perished, and over a hundred are in hospitals with severe burns. The Ukrainian embassy is currently investigating whether any Ukrainians were among the victims.

This tragedy at the Crans-Montana resort has had a serious impact on the local community and the tourism industry. Authorities promise to conduct a thorough investigation to determine all the causes of the incident and prevent similar cases in the future. The reaction from the authorities and society reflects the seriousness of the situation and the importance of safety issues during mass events.