Swiss bar fire likely started from sparkling candles on bottles, official says

Investigation into the Valais Bar Fire – Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• Flashover: A near-instantaneous ignition of all combustible materials in a space.
• Antemortem Data: Information collected before death (e.g., medical records, identifying features).
• Postmortem Data: Information collected after death (e.g., fingerprints, DNA, autopsy findings).
• DVI (Disaster Victim Identification): A specialized Swiss organization utilizing international standards for identifying disaster victims.
• Negligence (Fire, Homicide, Injuries): Potential criminal charges being considered based on the investigation’s findings.

1. Initial Investigation & Cause of Fire

The public prosecution service is conducting a thorough investigation into the tragic fire that occurred at the bar. All possible causes are being explored, but initial findings suggest the fire originated from sparkler candles (flares) placed on top of champagne bottles. These flares were positioned too close to the ceiling, resulting in a “flashover” – a rapid and widespread ignition of combustible materials. This conclusion is based on analysis of video footage, interviews with witnesses (including the two French managers and survivors), and on-site observations. The investigation will also examine the bar’s internal layout, renovation work, capacity, and compliance with safety regulations.

2. Scope of Investigation – Regulatory & Criminal Aspects

The investigation extends beyond the immediate cause of the fire to encompass several critical areas:

• Renovation Work: Materials used during recent renovations are being scrutinized for potential flammability or code violations.
• Licensing & Safety: The bar’s licensing arrangements, fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and other firefighting equipment are under review.
• Capacity & Access: Investigators are verifying the number of people present at the party against the bar’s authorized capacity, as well as assessing the adequacy of exit and access routes.
• Criminal Liability: The Zurich Forensic Institute is involved to determine if any individuals bear criminal responsibility. Potential charges include fire by negligence, homicide by negligence, and injuries by negligence, contingent on evidence of wrongdoing.

3. Victim Identification Process – A Multi-National Effort

A primary focus is the identification of victims. As of the briefing, 40 deaths have been confirmed, with formal identification ongoing. The process is complex and relies on a standardized protocol:

• Data Collection: Both antemortem (pre-death) and postmortem (post-death) data are being collected. This includes fingerprints, DNA samples from family members, clothing descriptions, and any identifying objects found on the victims.
• DVI Involvement: The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) organization, adhering to Interpol standards, is leading the identification efforts. This organization comprises scientific police officers, investigators, coroners, and dentists. They were previously deployed during the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami to identify Swiss victims.
• Information Commission: A commission comprised of government authorities, coroners, and investigators validates the match between antemortem and postmortem data before a body is released and a death certificate is issued.
• International Cooperation: Collaboration is underway with authorities in France, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Congo, Philippines, Serbia, Turkey, and Romania to assist in identification.

4. Current Statistics on Victims (as of the briefing)

• Injured: 119 people injured, 113 formally identified, 6 pending identification.
• Nationalities of Identified Injured: 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italian, 4 Serbian, 1 Bosnian, 1 Belgian, 1 Luxembourgish, 1 Polish, 1 Portuguese. Nationality of 14 injured remains unknown.
• Deceased: 40 confirmed deaths, formal identification ongoing.

5. Support for Families & Ongoing Security Measures

The Canton Police Service is prioritizing support for affected families, both Swiss and foreign. A dedicated support center was established in Sion to provide ongoing care and psychological assistance. This support will continue even after families are notified of the identification of their loved ones.

Security measures are focused on three key priorities:

• Family Support: Providing ongoing care and protection to families.
• Victim Identification: Expediting the identification process with significant external support.
• Incident Investigation: Determining the circumstances of the fire through ongoing investigations.

6. Resource Mobilization & Inter-Agency Collaboration

The investigation is receiving substantial support from various agencies:

• Federal Police Office: Four officers from the federal judicial police are assisting in Valais.
• Zurich Forensic Institute: Six specialists from the Zurich Forensic Institute are on-site analyzing the incident.
• Valais Canton Police: 40 uniformed officers are securing the premises and assisting the public.
• Investigative Team: 40 police inspectors are conducting interviews and investigations.
• Specialists: 30 specialists (identification experts, doctors, coroners, dentists) are involved in the identification process.

Notable Quote:

“There is no space for any mistakes in this in this field. So we want to make sure that we give families the correct bodies.” – Representative of the DVI organization, emphasizing the critical importance of accurate identification.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The investigation into the Valais bar fire is a complex and multifaceted undertaking. Authorities are meticulously examining the cause of the fire, potential regulatory violations, and possible criminal negligence. The identification of victims is a top priority, requiring extensive international collaboration and the application of rigorous forensic protocols. Significant resources have been mobilized to support affected families and ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. The scale of the tragedy necessitates an unprecedented level of effort and cooperation to bring closure to the families and determine the full circumstances of this devastating event.