Scrutiny turns to safety set-up of Swiss bar after deadly blaze

Scrutiny is intensifying over the safety arrangements at a Swiss bar that burst into flames during a New Year's Eve party, killing at least 40, as prosecutors said the blaze likely began when sparkling candles were held too close to a ceiling.



Witnesses reported seeing staff at the Le Constellation bar carrying so-called fountain candles atop bottles of champagne, and questions have also ‌arisen about a foam material used to soundproof the ceiling of the basement where revellers danced.



Beatrice Pilloud, chief prosecutor of Valais, the canton that is home to the bar in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana, said that available indications were that the fire started because the sparklers got too near to the ceiling.



"From there, a rapid, very rapid and widespread blaze ensued," she said on Friday afternoon.



Further investigations will show whether anyone faces criminal liability over the fire, Pilloud said.



Investigations will focus on renovations made to the bar, the fire extinguishing systems and escape routes, as well as the number of people in the building when the fire started, prosecutors said.