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Experts Point to Likely Flashover as Swiss Bar Fire Investigation Advances

Psychologists urge restraint over videos that reflect reflexive behavior in an ambiguous emergency.

Overview

  • Authorities have identified all 40 victims and opened investigations into the operators of Le Constellation.
  • Footage from inside the Crans-Montana venue shows sparklers igniting the ceiling shortly before flames spread.
  • Specialists say a rapid flashover likely made conditions deadly within seconds, leaving little time to escape.
  • Many victims were teenagers and young adults, a cohort researchers note is more inclined to risk-taking and habitual smartphone use.
  • Experts cite freeze responses, the party setting and possible alcohol effects to explain why some recorded the scene, and they reject moralising about the victims.