Intensified scrutiny is now directed towards the safety protocols at a Swiss bar that erupted in flames during a New Year’s Eve celebration, claiming the lives of at least 40 individuals. Prosecutors have indicated that the fire likely originated from sparkling candles being held too close to the ceiling.
Reports from witnesses suggest that staff at the Le Constellation bar were seen holding fountain candles on champagne bottles, raising concerns about a foam material used for ceiling soundproofing in the basement where partygoers were dancing. Beatrice Pilloud, the chief prosecutor of Valais, mentioned that preliminary evidence points to the sparklers causing the fire.
Further inquiries will seek to determine if anyone could be held criminally responsible for the tragic incident. Investigations will focus on recent renovations, fire suppression systems, emergency exits, and the occupancy level during the fire outbreak.
While local police responded promptly to the scene, the intensity of the fire made it challenging to identify the victims, with authorities stating that it may take days to complete the process. So far, only one victim, a teenage Italian golfer named Emanuele Galeppini, has been identified, and there is a possibility that some victims could be under 16 years old.
The bar was a popular spot for young people, and it is believed that many of the deceased were youths, as the legal drinking age for beer and wine in Switzerland is 16. The bar’s owner indicated that the establishment had passed multiple safety inspections over the years. Meanwhile, local authorities are investigating whether the bar adhered to annual building inspections.
The devastating incident has sparked concerns over bar safety measures in Valais and Switzerland as a whole. Residents and witnesses have been deeply affected by the tragedy, with many expressing shock and grief over the loss of lives. Floral tributes continue to be laid at the site as the community mourns the victims and awaits further developments in the investigation.
