Questions surrounding venue safety are growing after a fire tore through Le Constellation bar during a New Year’s Eve party, leaving at least 40 people dead. Prosecutors say the blaze likely started when fountain sparkler candles on champagne bottles were lifted too close to the basement ceiling, which had been fitted with foam soundproofing material during renovations.
Sparklers Near Foam-Lined Ceiling Suspected as Ignition Source
Witnesses reported seeing bar staff carrying fountain sparklers mounted on bottles of champagne shortly before the fire began. Beatrice Pilloud, chief prosecutor of Valais canton, said on Friday that early findings point to the sparklers being placed dangerously near the ceiling of the basement area, where guests were dancing.
“The flames spread extremely fast from that point,” Pilloud said, describing the fire’s expansion as rapid and widespread. She confirmed that investigations will determine whether any individuals or parties face criminal responsibility.
Authorities Review Renovations, Exits, and Fire Systems
The Valais prosecutors’ office announced that investigators are now examining key safety components, including:
-
Renovation work and materials used in the basement ceiling
-
Fire suppression and extinguishing systems
-
Basement ventilation and crowd capacity compliance
-
Emergency exit access and escape route adequacy
-
Number of people inside when the fire broke out
Local residents stated that police and emergency teams reached the scene quickly, though authorities noted that identifying victims will take several days due to forensic verification requirements.
Youth Attendance and Identification Efforts Continue
Officials initially confirmed the identity of only one victim on Friday: Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage golfer from Italy competing internationally, who was visiting the resort town for the winter holiday.
On Saturday, the canton prosecutors confirmed that four Swiss victims aged 16 to 21—two female and two male—were formally identified and returned to their families. Their names were not released to respect privacy and grieving relatives.
Sources familiar with the inquiry also indicated that some victims may be younger than 16, and federal officials said many of those who died were likely youths. The bar is known locally as a popular winter celebration venue for young visitors.
Owners Cite Past Safety Checks
Bar co-owner Jacques Moretti told Tribune de Genève that the venue had been inspected three times over the last decade and maintained that the bar followed safety requirements. International media attempts to reach ownership for further comment were not immediately successful.
Valais security head Stéphane Ganzer said the inquiry will also verify whether annual structural inspections were completed, though he confirmed that the town had not previously raised formal safety alarms or defect reports to the canton.
Public Grief and Calls for Safety Reform
Local entrepreneur Sebastian Steuer, from nearby Savièse, said the tragedy will likely influence future hospitality safety policies across Valais and Switzerland.
On Friday, residents continued gathering near the secured site to leave flowers and handwritten tributes, reflecting a community in mourning even as police began reopening surrounding access areas.
Ashley Hauri, 23, said she had nearly gone into the bar to meet friends moments before the fire but decided against it. She later learned that six of her former co-workers were inside when the blaze erupted. Two were hospitalized, while four others remain unaccounted for.
“I was stunned and overwhelmed. I wanted to help, but no one answered,” Hauri said, recalling her shock when trying to reach friends.