Swiss ski resort bar fire started by sparklers, investigators say, as desperate families wait for news of dead, missing
CBS News••general
Key Points:
- The deadly fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day was caused by sparklers on Champagne bottles igniting the ceiling, resulting in about 40 deaths and dozens of injuries, mostly among teenagers.
- Authorities have identified 113 of the 119 injured and are continuing forensic efforts to identify victims, with at least two dozen people still missing 36 hours after the incident.
- Investigations are ongoing, with no suspects or signs of foul play; officials are examining the bar's capacity and internal layout to understand the circumstances of the fire.
- Eyewitnesses and video footage confirm the fire started from sparklers touching foam insulation on the ceiling, which rapidly spread, trapping many
