By Ghazali Ibrahim
A disturbing photo has emerged showing revelers waving champagne bottles topped with flaming sparklers moments before a devastating fire erupted inside a crowded Swiss nightclub, killing dozens and injuring scores during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The blaze broke out at around 1:30 a.m. on January 1 at Le Constellation, a popular bar and club in the ski resort town of Crans‑Montana, in the canton of Valais. Swiss authorities say preliminary investigations indicate the fire likely started after sparkler candles attached to champagne bottles came too close to the low‑ceiling interior, igniting combustible materials and triggering a rapid spread of flames.
The photo, verified by international media, shows flames beginning to creep across the wooden ceiling while partygoers lifted bottles overhead.
Swiss officials have confirmed around 40 people died in the fire, with several more severely injured and more than 100 others treated for burns and respiratory injuries at hospitals across Switzerland. Identification of victims has been complicated by the severity of injuries, and authorities are still working to notify families.
Many of the victims are reported to be young adults and tourists celebrating the New Year in what should have been a festive setting. Some foreign governments have confirmed their citizens were among those affected, and embassies are assisting families and coordinating support.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin has described the blaze as one of the nation’s most traumatic recent tragedies and declared five days of national mourning.
Survivors and eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as flames raced across the club’s ceiling and thick smoke made escape difficult. Several people recounted how the fire spread within seconds, leaving little time to react.
