Sparklers on Champagne Bottles Blamed in Deadly Fire

Authorities say it appears that festive sparklers attached to champagne bottles started the fire in a Switzerland bar that killed dozens of young New Year's revelers. The sparklers were likely held too close to the ceiling of the bar, called Le Constellation, said Beatrice Pilloud, attorney general of the Valais canton, reports the New York Times. The BBC has images of sparklers flaring on multiple bottles, and an image of a young woman holding one while on somebody's shoulders.

After the ceiling caught fire and flames spread, survivors describe a frantic scramble to escape up and out on the lone stairway. Authorities say 40 people are dead, with most of the victims in their teens or 20s. Dozens more were injured, including four people in intensive care. Pilloud described the sparklers as "birthday candles you can buy in a shop." One key part of the inquiry will be whether the bar was up to code on fire safety. "It's essential we don't make any assumptions," says Pilloud. "Leave us to do our work."