On 2/1, Valais canton chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud announced that investigators are collecting evidence and considering several theories regarding the fire and explosion at the Constellation Bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, which occurred the previous day.

"We believe the fire erupted because flares attached to champagne bottles were brought too close to the ceiling," Pilloud stated. Authorities will also determine if the ceiling's soundproofing foam met safety standards.

Fire erupts in the Constellation Bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland on 1/1. *Video: Reuters*

The fire and explosion killed approximately 40 people and injured 115, many severely. Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as "one of the worst tragedies of unprecedented scale the country has experienced."

Social media photos show bar staff and guests lifting at least 6 champagne bottles with flares attached, and the ceiling material appears to have caught fire. Witness Alex recounted, "Some waitresses lifted the bottles too close to the ceiling, and then the fire erupted."

This photo was reportedly taken as the fire erupted in the Constellation Bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland on 1/1. *Photo: CNN*

Stephane Ganzer, head of Valais canton security, noted that those present tried to exit through the main door and emergency exits. "However, when the fire started and smoke filled the area, most could not see their way or find an exit," Ganzer said.

Initially, some speculated that an explosion led to the fire at the Constellation Bar, which has a capacity of over 300 people. However, Pilloud stated that preliminary investigation indicated the opposite: "the fire caused the explosion here."

Regional hospitals quickly became overwhelmed, necessitating the transfer of many injured individuals to other medical facilities in Switzerland and abroad. Swiss authorities are working to quickly identify victims, but acknowledge the process could take days to weeks.

Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, reported that approximately 15 Italian citizens were injured in the fire and 15 are missing. France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that 9 French citizens were injured and 8 remain unaccounted for.

*Nguyen Tien (AFP, Reuters, AP)*