A tragic fire at a popular Swiss ski resort that claimed the lives of potentially 40 individuals has disturbing parallels to the Grenfell Tower catastrophe, raising concerns about the rapid spread of the flames. The devastating incident occurred at Le Constellation, a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year’s Day as partygoers celebrated. Eyewitnesses recounted seeing bar staff entering with champagne bottles and sparklers just before the fire erupted. Investigators suspect that a sparkler may have ignited the bar’s ceiling, leading to the swift progression of the blaze.
According to a former firefighter, the bar had utilized insulation foam similar to that found in the ill-fated Grenfell Tower during the 2017 fire tragedy. The firefighter, Steve Dudney, highlighted videos showing the ceiling quickly catching fire, indicating the presence of highly flammable polyurethane (PU) material. PU, known for its combustible nature, was a contributing factor in the rapid spread of the Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 72 lives.
Footage from the scene in Switzerland depicted flames engulfing the bar’s roof, with images capturing the moment a sparkler ignited the ceiling’s material. Dudney suggested that the bar may have been lined with a type of soundproofing foam, often made from polyurethane, cautioning against its use in areas with open flames. He emphasized the extreme flammability of such materials when exposed to even small sources of fire, like sparklers.
The Swiss prosecutor, Béatrice Pilloud, stated that the champagne bottles likely triggered the fire by igniting the ceiling, causing the tragic outcome. Investigations are ongoing to determine the materials involved in the incident, as well as examining emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and the bar’s capacity. Pilloud mentioned that potential criminal charges, such as negligent arson, homicide, or bodily injury, could be pursued if liability is established, with the bar owners already questioned as part of the inquiry.