Memorial for Swiss bar fire victims goes up in flames

A makeshift memorial for the victims of a deadly New Year’s fire in Crans-Montana caught alight early on Sunday. Police said the blaze was probably sparked by candles left burning inside. The tribute had been set up for the 41 people killed and the 115 injured in the early-hours 1 January fire at Le Constellation, a bar that had been packed with mainly teenagers and young adults.

Laden with flowers, candles and messages of condolence, the memorial had been placed near the site of the tragedy and caught fire shortly before 6am, regional police in Valais said. Broadcast images showed the blackened top of a white, igloo-like tarpaulin erected to protect the display, visible behind a white screen and police tape.

Emergency services brought the blaze quickly under control and no one was injured, though several commemorative objects were damaged and a large book of remembrance had to be rescued; it was saved, police said.

Switzerland, Crans-Montana

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