Geneva, 2 January 2026 (dpa/MIA) - The deadly fire that tore through a bar in a Swiss Alpine resort during New Year celebrations, leaving 40 people dead, was likely caused by sparklers placed in champagne bottles that came too close to the ceiling, authorities said on Friday.

Beatrice Pilloud, attorney general of the canton of Valais, said investigators came to this conclusion after evaluating videos, interviewing several witnesses and securing initial evidence from Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort, where the fire broke out shortly after midnight on New Year's Day.

The witness statements came from the French managers of the bar and guests who were able to escape.

Commander of the Valais police Frédéric Gisler confirmed on Friday that 40 people have died as a result of the fire. He said a total of 119 people have been admitted to hospitals with injuries.

Earlier estimates said 115 people sustained injuries in the fire.

Gisler said 113 of them have been identified. According to the information available, they include 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italian and 4 Serbian nationals.

"We are investigating whether criminal proceedings for negligent homicide will be initiated," Pilloud added. This would be the case if individuals who could be held responsible for the tragedy are still alive.

Photo: Internet