Crans-Montana fire likely caused by sparklers on Champagne bottles • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Constellation Bar Fire: A tragic fire incident occurring at the Constellation Bar in Seion, Switzerland, on New Year’s Day.
• Flashover: A rapid, simultaneous ignition of all combustible materials in an enclosed space.
• DVI (Disaster Victim Identification): A specialized unit employed for identifying victims of mass casualty events.
• Fountain Candles/Sparklers: Suspected ignition source of the fire, placed inside champagne bottles.
• Valais Canton Regulations: Investigation into whether the bar adhered to safety regulations regarding capacity and exit accessibility.

The Constellation Bar Fire in Seion, Switzerland: A Detailed Account

The incident at the Constellation Bar in Seion, Switzerland, during New Year’s celebrations has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread investigation. As of the latest press conference, 40 people have been confirmed dead and 119 injured, with 113 injuries confirmed. The breakdown of nationalities among the injured includes 71 Swiss, 14 French, and 11 Italian nationals.

Probable Cause and Initial Findings

The primary assumption, as stated by the chief prosecutor Beatrice Palao, points to fountain candles or sparklers placed inside champagne bottles raised towards the ceiling as the likely cause of the fire. These candles ignited materials close to the ceiling, leading to a flashover – a near-instantaneous ignition of all combustible surfaces within the establishment. This conclusion is based on the analysis of video evidence obtained from the scene.

As stated during the press conference, “Everything leads us to believe that the fire began from candles or sparklers that were put on champagne bottles and all of this was placed too closely to the roof or the ceiling rather. And that's when there was a flashover that took place in this establishment.”

Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Process

The severity of the fire necessitates a comprehensive identification process for the victims. Pierre Antoan Long, head of the Swiss judicial police, announced the activation of the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) unit. This is the first time the unit has been deployed since the 2004 Indonesian tsunami. The DVI process involves specialist teams comprising police, forensic experts, doctors, and dentists utilizing techniques such as dental record analysis and other forensic evidence due to the extensive damage caused by the fire.

Regulatory Compliance and Venue Safety

An investigation is underway to determine whether the Constellation Bar was in compliance with safety regulations. Authorities are questioning members of the bar’s management regarding adherence to agreed-upon capacity limits and the clarity of exit routes. Eyewitness accounts are also being considered to assess whether potential safety issues were previously known.

Pre-Existing Fire Concerns and Preventative Measures

Notably, the local mayor of Seion had banned the use of fireworks on Tuesday of the preceding week due to concerns about fire risk. This decision was prompted by a prolonged period without rainfall, creating heightened fire susceptibility. Despite this preventative measure, the fire occurred, albeit in an unexpected manner involving indoor pyrotechnics.

As Olivia Bezo, a correspondent at the scene, noted, “Even though those measures were put in place a fire actually still happened uh but in a very unexpected way. I think it was difficult and impossible for anyone to foresee that something like this uh could have happened.”

Governmental Response and Condolences

The government of Valais expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. The government representative stated, “We are facing a tragedy and a dramatic number of human losses. The latest was 40 people who have died. This is very upsetting and on behalf [clears throat] of the government of Valet, I want to express all of my sympathy and most sincere condolences to the families for what they're going through.” Injured individuals are receiving treatment in hospitals throughout Switzerland and neighboring countries, with many still in critical condition.

Future Safety Measures

The incident has prompted questions regarding the adequacy of existing safety measures and the need for enhanced fire safety protocols. Local authorities are expected to implement new measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Bezo highlighted this point, stating, “And I think what will be interesting is what measures are put in place now by local authorities to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.”

Synthesis

The fire at the Constellation Bar represents a devastating tragedy stemming from the use of pyrotechnics indoors. The investigation focuses on determining the precise cause, ensuring regulatory compliance, and identifying the victims through the complex DVI process. The incident underscores the importance of stringent fire safety regulations, particularly during peak tourist seasons and celebratory events, and will likely lead to a re-evaluation of safety protocols in similar venues. The proactive ban on fireworks, while well-intentioned, proved insufficient to prevent the disaster, highlighting the unpredictable nature of fire hazards and the need for comprehensive safety planning.