What's happened
A fire caused by sparklers on champagne bottles at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana has resulted in over 40 deaths and 119 injuries. The incident occurred during New Year celebrations, with investigations focusing on bar safety and negligence. Identification of victims is ongoing.
What's behind the headline?
The tragedy exposes potential flaws in safety oversight at popular venues. Despite claims of regular inspections, the fire's rapid spread indicates possible lapses in safety protocols or enforcement. The use of sparklers on champagne bottles, a common celebratory practice, proved deadly here, highlighting the need for stricter regulation of such displays. The incident will likely prompt a review of safety standards in Swiss hospitality venues, especially those hosting large crowds during holidays. The tragedy also underscores the risks of complacency in safety checks, as the bar had been inspected multiple times without incident. Moving forward, authorities will need to balance celebration with safety, possibly implementing more rigorous controls on fire hazards in public spaces. The impact on the community is profound, with families mourning and the nation reflecting on safety practices at mass gatherings.
What the papers say
Sky News reports that the fire was caused by sparklers on champagne bottles, which ignited and led to a rapid spread, resulting in over 40 deaths. The bar's owners, French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, stated that the venue had been checked 'three times in 10 years' and was compliant with standards. The Italian Golf Federation confirmed the death of 17-year-old Emanuele Galeppini, a golf prodigy, and identified other victims. The Independent emphasizes the severity of burns complicating victim identification, with fears it could take weeks. Contrastingly, Sky News highlights ongoing investigations into safety lapses, with authorities questioning the owners and examining past safety measures. The incident is described as one of Switzerland's worst tragedies, with President Guy Parmelin calling it 'one of the worst tragedies our country has ever known.'
How we got here
The fire broke out during New Year festivities at Le Constellation, a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Initial reports suggest sparklers on champagne bottles ignited the blaze. The bar had been inspected multiple times over the past decade, with owners asserting compliance with safety standards. The tragedy follows a series of safety checks, but the cause remains under investigation.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Guy Parmelin is a Swiss politician serving as President of Switzerland since 2021, having previously served as Vice President of Switzerland in 2020. A member of the Swiss People's Party, he has been a Member of the Swiss Federal Council since 2016.
-
Crans-Montana is a municipality in the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. On 1 January 2017 the former municipalities of Chermignon, Mollens, Montana and Randogne merged to form the new municipality of Crans-Montana.
Crans-Montana..