A tragic fire at a Swiss ski resort that reportedly claimed the lives of around 40 individuals has been linked to the Grenfell disaster, potentially contributing to the rapid spread of the blaze.
The fire erupted at Le Constellation, a bar in Switzerland’s Crans-Montana, shortly after 1:30 am on January 1 during a New Year celebration. Witnesses mentioned that staff members entered the bar carrying champagne bottles and sparklers just before the fire broke out, with investigators suspecting that a sparkler ignited the bar’s ceiling, leading to the swift spread of flames.
A former firefighter, Steve Dudney, noted similarities between the insulation foam used in the Swiss bar and the one that covered Grenfell Tower during the tragic 2017 fire. Dudney highlighted the use of highly flammable polyurethane (PU) in both instances, emphasizing its role in facilitating rapid fire propagation.
Videos from the scene captured the moment the bar’s roof caught fire, with images suggesting that a sparkler ignited the ceiling material. Dudney highlighted the inappropriate use of soundproofing foam, possibly made from polyurethane, in an environment with potential fire hazards.
The prosecutor in Switzerland, Béatrice Pilloud, indicated that champagne bottles with sparklers likely triggered the fire, leading to investigations into the materials present at the scene. The incident’s circumstances, including emergency exits, fire safety equipment, and the bar’s capacity, are under scrutiny, with potential considerations for criminal charges if liability is established.
Pilloud mentioned the possibility of investigating negligent arson, negligent homicide, and negligent bodily injury, depending on the outcomes of the ongoing investigation.