Sparkler candles 'likely' to have started Swiss inferno

Experts believe that the deadly blaze spread rapidly in a 'flashover' effect and a criminal investigation has opened

- MAIRA BUTT

A devastating fire that killed 40 people in a bar at a ski resort in Switzerland on New Year’s Day was likely caused by sparkler candles on champagne bottles, officials have said.

Dozens were killed and around 119 injured after the blaze tore through the Le Constellation bar at the Crans-Montana resort in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Swiss authorities said that the fountain candles - also known as “flares” - were placed on champagne bottles and appear to have caught fire when moved too close to the ceiling.

The candles, available at general retail stores and also used for birthdays, led to a flashover incident where the fire spread “very rapidly”.

Dramatic pictures and footage circulating on social media appear to show the ceiling of Le Constellation bar catching fire after the bottles were carried above the heads of partygoers.

Young people are seen trying to put the blaze out with their clothing as the fire spreads rapidly.

“Everything suggests that the fire started from the burning candles or ‘Bengal lights’ that had been attached to champagne bottles,” attorney general and local prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud told a news conference yesterday, “From there, a rapid, very rapid and widespread conflagration ensued.”