A memorial dedicated to the victims of the tragic New Year's Eve fire at a Swiss bar has itself been damaged by flames, in an incident that police believe was accidentally caused by candles left burning at the tribute site.
Memorial for Bar Fire Victims Catches Fire
The makeshift memorial, which had been established near the Le Constellation bar in the popular ski resort town of Crans-Montana, caught alight early on Sunday morning. Regional police in the Valais canton confirmed that the blaze started shortly before 6am, with emergency services responding promptly to bring the fire under control.
This tribute had been created to honour the 41 individuals who lost their lives and the 115 people injured when a devastating fire erupted during a New Year celebration at Le Constellation bar on 1st January. The bar had been crowded with teenagers and young adults when the tragedy occurred.
Probable Cause and Investigation
According to police statements, preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated near candles placed on a central table within the memorial structure. Authorities have indicated that third-party involvement appears unlikely at this stage, though a formal investigation has been opened to determine the exact cause.
The memorial, which featured flowers, candles, and handwritten messages of condolence, had been protected from the elements by a white, igloo-like tarpaulin structure. Images broadcast by Swiss public broadcaster RTS showed the blackened top of this protective covering visible behind police tape and screening.
Damage and Salvaged Items
While no injuries resulted from this secondary fire, police confirmed that several commemorative objects sustained damage from the flames. Fortunately, a substantial book of remembrance containing condolence messages from visitors over the past five weeks was successfully saved from destruction.
The memorial had initially been positioned directly in front of the burned-out bar but had recently been relocated slightly further away from the original site. This move did not prevent the accidental ignition that occurred on Sunday morning.
Background to the Original Tragedy
The New Year's Eve fire that prompted creation of the memorial is believed to have started when champagne bottles with attached sparklers were raised too close to ceiling sound insulation foam in the crowded bar. The resulting inferno led to multiple casualties among the revellers present.
Legal proceedings continue regarding the original incident, with the French couple who co-owned Le Constellation bar facing charges including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Additionally, Crans-Montana's head of public safety and a former local fire safety officer are under criminal investigation in connection with the bar fire.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The memorial fire has sparked renewed concern among family members of the original tragedy's victims. Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, whose 16-year-old son Arthur died in the bar fire, expressed consternation on social media, questioning municipal responsibility for ensuring memorial security.
This incident follows weeks of criticism directed at local and regional authorities regarding their handling of both the initial crisis and subsequent investigation. The bar had not undergone mandatory annual fire safety inspections since 2019, raising questions about regulatory oversight that continue to resonate within the community.
Emergency services have been praised for their rapid response to the memorial fire, which prevented more extensive damage and ensured no additional injuries occurred at a site already associated with profound loss and tragedy.
