Swiss investigators believe sparkling flares ignited fatal bar fire
AP News••general
Key Points:
- A deadly fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killed 40 people and injured 119 during New Year’s Eve celebrations, with investigators believing sparkling flares atop Champagne bottles ignited the blaze.
- Many victims were young, with numerous accounts of heroic actions by partygoers who helped save lives before emergency responders arrived; the fire caused severe burns, complicating victim identification.
- The tragedy has deeply affected the community, with mourners holding memorials and prayers, while families await DNA tests to confirm the identities of missing loved ones, including 17-year-old Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini.
- Authorities have urged caution in the resort town, a popular alpine destination known for skiing and golf
