Crans-Montana fire: families await identification of victims

Officials say a fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana killed about 40 people and investigators are examining whether sparklers and ceiling materials contributed; families are awaiting DNA checks as identification continues.

A fire broke out at Le Constellation, a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort on New Year's, killing about 40 people. Swiss prosecutors reported the blaze appeared to start after sparklers placed in the tops of champagne bottles were moved close to the ceiling. Investigators are examining acoustic ceiling foam for regulatory compliance and to see whether it spread the fire. Relatives and friends remain searching for missing people while officials carry out identification work. Known details: - About 40 people were reported killed and around 119 were injured; authorities have formally identified 113 of the injured. - Prosecutors said the fire appeared to have been triggered by sparklers on champagne bottles that were moved close to the ceiling. - Investigators are checking the acoustic foam on the ceiling to determine whether it complied with regulations and whether it helped the blaze spread. - Families are awaiting DNA checks and other identification procedures, and officials said identifying some victims could take several days. Summary: The fire has left many families and the local community in deep grief as relatives seek information about missing young people. Authorities are continuing forensic work, video analysis and interviews, and officials say identification and related procedures will take time.