02.01.2026 22:36
It has been reported that the fire during the New Year's celebrations at the Crans-Montana Ski Resort in Switzerland, which resulted in the deaths of more than 40 people, may have been caused by candle fireworks attached to champagne bottles.
Swiss authorities are evaluating that the fire that broke out in the bar where New Year's celebrations were held at the Crans-Montana Ski Resort yesterday, which led to the death of more than 40 people, originated from sparklers attached to champagne bottles.
SUSPICION OF "SPARKLER" IN THE BAR TRAGEDY
Valais Canton Chief Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud, Valais Canton Assembly President Mathias Reynard, Police Chief Frederic Gisler, and Rescue Service Director Fredy-Michel Roten held a joint press conference regarding the fire.
Chief Prosecutor Pilloud stated that based on witness statements and site investigations, they are considering the possibility that the fire in the bar may have originated from sparklers placed on champagne bottles held close to the ceiling by people celebrating New Year's.
CASUALTIES OVER 40
Pilloud expressed that the questioning of the bar owners regarding whether there was any security negligence in the outbreak of the fire is ongoing and stated that the investigation is continuing. Pilloud mentioned that they do not know exactly how many people were in the bar when the fire broke out.
The Chief Prosecutor noted that the foam-like insulation material, which is believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, is also part of the investigation, but at this stage, she cannot say whether this material complies with standards.
Canton Assembly President Reynard emphasized that solidarity continues in the face of the tragedy and that they are mobilizing to identify the injured as quickly as possible. Reynard stated that the treatment of the injured is ongoing and that about 50 injured individuals will be transferred to hospitals in other European countries.
Reynard confirmed that the death toll from the fire is more than 40, stating, "(For those who lost their lives) We will hold a memorial service in Crans-Montana next Friday."
IDENTIFICATION WORK CONTINUES
Police Chief Gisler provided information about the condition of 119 injured individuals. Gisler announced that the identities of 113 of the injured have been identified, including 71 Swiss citizens.
Gisler mentioned that among the injured, there are also French, Italian, Serbian, Polish, Bosnian, Portuguese, Luxembourgish, and Belgian individuals, and that identification efforts are ongoing.
Police Chief Gisler emphasized that identifying the more than 40 individuals who lost their lives in the fire is a priority. Rescue Service Director Fredy-Michel Roten stated that approximately 150 healthcare workers were on duty the night of the incident and that teams were mobilized to provide psychological and medical support to the affected families.
Roten announced that French and Italian medical personnel specializing in severe burns have also come to assist in the treatment of the injured. There are families whose relatives were in the bar during the fire but have not yet been able to reach them. Some families are making posts on social media to find out which hospital their children have been transferred to.