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Prosecutor Says Champagne Sparklers Likely Triggered Crans-Montana Bar Inferno That Killed 40

Authorities have opened a criminal inquiry into potential safety violations.

Overview

  • Swiss officials now report 40 dead and 119 injured, with victim identification slowed by the condition of the remains.
  • Prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud said sparkler-style candles on bottles likely ignited a combustible ceiling and led to a flashover.
  • Investigators have questioned the venue’s owners and are probing materials, emergency exits and capacity for possible negligence, while ruling out terrorism.
  • Police said 113 injured have been identified, including 71 Swiss, 14 French and 11 Italian nationals, and six Italians remain unaccounted for.
  • Severely burned patients are being transferred to specialist units in Switzerland and nearby countries, including ongoing airlifts to Milan’s Niguarda hospital.