A silent march was held in Crans-Montana to honor the 40 victims of a New Year’s Eve bar fire that also left many injured. Mourners gathered for a mass, then processed to the site of the fire, Le Constellation, where they left tributes and offered applause for first responders. Authorities have identified all fatalities and opened a criminal investigation into the bar managers, suspecting involuntary homicide and other charges. The investigation is focused on the fire’s rapid spread, potentially caused by candles and non-compliant materials, and authorities are also assessing safety measures.
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The investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing, with officials suggesting sparklers on champagne bottles near the ceiling as a potential ignition source. Authorities are analyzing videos and interviewing witnesses, while also focusing on the bar’s materials, permits, safety measures, and occupancy levels. The death toll remains at 40, with formal identifications continuing. Officials have emphasized that the investigation is a priority, and that they will assess whether safety regulations were followed.
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On New Year’s Eve, a fire broke out in Le Constellation, a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, resulting in approximately 40 deaths and 115 injuries. The blaze, which began around 1:30 am local time, is believed to be accidental, with initial reports indicating it may have been caused by a candle igniting a wooden ceiling. Witnesses described a chaotic scene with a crowd surge as people attempted to escape the fire. Authorities have launched a full investigation, focusing on identifying the victims and supporting the injured, many of whom are between 16 and 26 years old.
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John Q. Hosedrinker