"Everything indicates that the fire started from burning candles attached to champagne bottles or from 'Bengal fireworks'."
Milli.Az reports that this was stated by Beatris Pilloud, the chief prosecutor of the Valais canton, during a press conference she held.
Investigations continue regarding the horrific fire that occurred at a bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana.
She stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the tragedy on New Year's Eve was caused by fireworks on the champagne bottles igniting the ceiling.
According to the initial conclusion reached by the investigation team, during the holiday celebration, the waiters held lit Bengal fireworks close to the ceiling material while handling the champagne bottles in the bar. This caused a rapid and extensive fire that engulfed the entire venue within seconds. It has been confirmed that 40 people died as a result of the incident and 119 people sustained various degrees of bodily injuries. Prosecutor Pilloud noted that the quality and compliance with safety standards of the sound insulation materials used in the bar are also seriously suspected in the rapid spread of the fire.
Currently, investigators are examining the safety systems of the venue, the condition of the evacuation routes, and whether the number of people present in the bar at the time of the incident exceeded the permissible limit. Witness statements and videos shared on social media also confirm that the fire started specifically from the ignition of the ceiling. If it is determined that safety regulations were violated in the bar and criminal liability is established, a criminal case will be filed against the responsible individuals under charges of causing fire by negligence and manslaughter.
It should be noted that the Swiss government has declared a five-day mourning period in the country related to this tragedy, and state flags have been lowered.