What Images and Videos Reveal About the Rapid Spread of the Swiss Bar Fire
Investigators are urgently working to uncover the reasons behind the devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in a Swiss ski resort that spread alarmingly fast. Officials reported in a press conference that sparklers attached to champagne bottles, which were held too close to the ceiling, likely ignited the blaze in the basement of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. The fire claimed the lives of at least 40 people and injured 119 others, many of whom suffered serious injuries. Understanding how the fire escalated is now a primary focus for authorities, alongside assessing the bar’s safety history.
Eye-Opening Images
BBC Verify has analyzed footage from survivors and bystanders, shedding light on what went wrong. Notable details include:
– Bottles with Sparklers: Striking images show patrons raising champagne bottles with lit sparklers.
– One image captures flames beginning to gather on the ceiling, directly above individuals holding five bottles.
– Another close-up depicts a person in a crash helmet holding a bottle with a lit sparkler while perched on someone’s shoulders, with sparks dangerously close to the ceiling.
These images were confirmed to have been taken after midnight on January 1, and extensive checks revealed no tampering through artificial intelligence (AI).
– Filming the Flames: Other verified videos depict patrons filming flames while loud club music plays. In one clip, individuals start rushing towards a stairwell, shouting in panic.
Béatrice Pilloud, attorney-general for the Valais region, indicated that evidence strongly suggests the fire originated from the sparklers on champagne bottles.
Safety Concerns: Foam Padding
Another critical area of investigation is the foam-like material on the bar’s ceiling and its compliance with safety regulations. Fire safety experts opine that images from the scene appear to show egg box foam, made from polyurethane (PU), which is known for its sound-absorbing qualities.
– Flammability of PU Foam:
– PU foam can dramatically accelerate fire spread when ignited and emit dense, toxic smoke. Dr. Peter Wilkinson of Loughborough University emphasizes that once ignited, this material can worsen fire conditions and hinder escape.
– Professor Edwin Galea from the University of Greenwich noted that fire-retardant treatments can diminish over time, thus elevating risks.
Swiss authorities have yet to verify the type of foam on the ceiling or its compliance with safety standards. During the press conference, officials addressed the phenomenon of flashover, a rapid ignition of hot gases that can occur in confined spaces. Michael Klippel, a fire safety expert at ETH Zurich University, underscored that survival following a flashover is very unlikely.
Exit Routes and Safety Inspections
Authorities are also scrutinizing exit routes from the bar, which consists of two levels: a basement and a ground floor. The fire reportedly initiated in the basement, where initial images were taken. Videos show patrons attempting to extinguish the fire before struggling to navigate a narrow stairway to escape.
– Bottleneck Risks: Prof. Galea warned that narrow exit routes can become deadly bottlenecks, with the risk of trampling during a panic. Even if alternative exits exist, individuals might instinctively return the way they came.
Officials confirmed the bar had multiple exits but could not ascertain whether the emergency exits were accessible during the fire. Valais state councillor Stéphane Ganzer stated that although many people exited through the main entrance, the establishment was indeed equipped with emergency exits.
Previous Safety Inspections
Pilloud informed reporters that both the bar’s French managers and individuals who fled the fire had been interviewed. Reports indicate that the bar underwent three inspections in the last decade, with claims of full compliance with regulations.
Investigators are also examining historical footage, revealing that sparklers were used at the bar as early as 2024—a video shows patrons in distinctive crash helmets handing out bottles with sparklers before pouring drinks.
Conclusion
The tragic fire at the Swiss bar highlights urgent concerns regarding safety practices and fire prevention measures in entertainment venues. As investigations continue, understanding the factors that contributed to the fire’s rapid spread will be crucial for improving safety protocols and preventing future tragedies.