Swiss resort bar fire ‘likely started by sparkler candles’

CRANS-MONTANA – Dozens of young partygoers injured in a New Year’s Eve bar fire in Switzerland were transferred to specialist burn units across Europe as they fought for their lives on Friday after being hit by the devastating blaze, which has killed at least 40.

Initial findings showed the fire that spread among the mostly young crowd of revellers in Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana was likely caused by sparkler candles being carried too close to the ceiling, the local prosecutor said.