The origin of the devastating fire that engulfed a bar in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve has now been identified.
The tragic event resulted in the deaths of at least 40 individuals, with over 100 more sustaining injuries, including 19-year-old football player Tahirys Dos Santos.
Among the 119 reported injuries, 113 have been identified, according to BBC News. Officials have noted that the process of identifying the deceased may take considerable time.
Regional governor Mathias Reynard stated, “We are painfully aware that identifying the bodies, as well as the injured, may still take a terribly long time for the families involved.”
Initially, the cause of the blaze was not disclosed by authorities, though they quickly dismissed the possibility of an attack.
Further investigation has revealed that the fire was sparked by sparklers placed in champagne bottles, which were part of the night’s festivities.
The sparklers made contact with the bar’s ceiling, igniting a fire that rapidly consumed the entire establishment.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.