Investigation Points to Sparklers as Possible Trigger in Swiss Bar Fire
Crans-Montana is reeling after one of the deadliest fire incidents in the country’s recent history, as investigators say sparklers attached to champagne bottles are the likely cause of the blaze that killed 40 people and injured more than 100 others during New Year celebrations.
Authorities said the fire broke out in the early hours of New Year’s Day at a crowded bar in the Alpine resort, where hundreds of people had gathered to welcome 2026. What began as a festive night ended in tragedy when flames spread rapidly through the venue.
What Investigators Say So Far
At a news conference on Friday, Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said early findings indicate the fire may have started when sparkling candles, commonly used as celebratory decorations on champagne bottles, were brought too close to the ceiling.
She explained that investigators believe the sparklers ignited materials above the bar, causing the fire to spread extremely quickly. According to Pilloud, the investigation is still in its early stages, but all available evidence currently points in that direction.
She added that prosecutors will closely examine whether criminal charges may be required once responsibility is established. If violations of safety rules or negligence are identified, legal proceedings could follow, provided those involved are alive and accountable.
Focus of the Ongoing Inquiry
Officials said the investigation will cover several key areas. These include the type of materials used inside the bar, compliance with fire safety regulations, the venue’s maximum capacity, and the number of people present at the time of the fire.
Authorities are also reviewing evacuation routes and how quickly emergency services were able to respond. Investigators are working alongside fire safety experts to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the rapid spread of flames.
One of the bar’s owners has told local media that the establishment had been inspected multiple times over the past decade and had met regulatory requirements. Officials said such claims will be carefully assessed as part of the inquiry.
Casualties and Identification Efforts
The scale of the tragedy has made identification a complex and time-consuming process. Police commander Frédéric Gisler said identifying the victims remains the top priority for authorities.
As of Friday, 113 of the injured had been formally identified. Those affected include 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French citizens, 11 Italians, four Serbians, and several people of other nationalities. Officials cautioned that these numbers may change as the investigation continues.
Six of the deceased had not yet been formally identified, and forensic teams are working to complete the process using disaster victim identification methods. This involves cooperation between forensic doctors, dentists, investigators and international partners.
Injured Victims Still Fighting for Life
Many of the injured remain in serious or critical condition. Mathias Reynard said several victims are still battling for survival days after the fire.
He added that around 50 injured people have been transferred, or are expected to be transferred, to specialised burn treatment centres in other European countries. These facilities are better equipped to handle severe burn injuries and long-term recovery.
Among those injured is 19-year-old French footballer Tahirys Dos Santos, whose club, FC Metz, confirmed he suffered severe burns. He has been airlifted to Germany to receive advanced medical care.
Families Await News of Missing Loved Ones
While many victims have been identified, families of those still unaccounted for continue to wait anxiously for updates. Officials confirmed that some people who were inside the bar at the time of the fire have not yet been located.
One of the missing is 16-year-old Italian national Achille Barosi. According to relatives, he had entered the bar shortly after 1:30am to retrieve personal belongings and has not been heard from since.
Speaking to international media, family members described him as a talented young artist who had recently enrolled at an art school in Milan. Authorities have not confirmed his status and say the identification process is ongoing.
National Shock and Safety Questions
The tragedy has sparked nationwide mourning in Switzerland and raised urgent questions about the use of indoor pyrotechnic decorations in crowded venues. Safety experts have long warned that sparklers and similar items can pose serious fire risks when used indoors.
Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues. They said lessons from the incident will be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
As Crans-Montana mourns, authorities say their focus remains on identifying victims, supporting survivors and families, and establishing the full truth behind the deadly fire.