Deadly Swiss resort fire likely caused by champagne sparklers, official says

Probe underway: Sparklers on champagne bottles that came too close to the ceiling likely caused the Swiss ski resort bar fire that killed at least 40 people during a New Year’s party, officials said today. This appeared to lead to a flashover, in which everything in a room ignites almost simultaneously. Swiss prosecutors have opened an investigation into possible criminal responsibility.

Families wait for news of loved ones: Multiple people are missing, including a teenager who was celebrating the new year with friends. Authorities say identifying those killed could “take several days.” Around 119 people from nine European countries were injured in the blaze in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Chaotic scenes: New videos showed terror and chaos as the fire broke out inside the tightly packed bar and people rushed to escape.

Sparklers in champagne bottles likely caused the fast-burning fire that killed dozens of people at a Swiss ski resort bar, officials said.

Dozens of others are still in the hospital or are unaccounted for. New video shows the ceiling of the Le Constellation bar catching on fire at the the New Year’s party in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Here’s what we know so far after a news conference from officials earlier today: