40 Killed, Others Injured During Swiss New Year’s Celebration

Investigators believe sparkling flares atop champagne bottles started the blaze at a bar at the resort.

A fire at an Alpine ski resort in switzerland left 40 people dead and 119 others injured during a New Year’s celebration.

Investigators believe sparkling flares atop champagne bottles started the blaze at a bar at the resort. Authorities say their main theory is that a “flashover” triggered a rapid explosion during which everything in the room ignites almost simultaneously. Many of those hurt have suffered serious injuries.

The investigation will look at safety measures in the bar, its license and capacity. The Crans-Montana resort is best known as an international ski and golf venue. The Le Constellation bar became the site of one of Switzerland’s worst tragedies.