Investigations by the authorities of the canton of Valais are continuing intensively following the devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar on New Year’s night, with police gradually providing answers to the critical questions that have arisen.

In the latest briefing, on Friday at noon, the Attorney General noted that the main scenario being considered for the outbreak of the fire involves flares attached to champagne bottles.

For his part, the Chief of Police of Valais, Frédéric Guillet, stated that from the very first moment, services have been working tirelessly “to provide lawful and clear answers” in the aftermath of the tragedy.

According to the official data presented on Friday at noon, the total number of injured stands at 119, of whom 113 have already been officially identified. Of these, 71 are Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italian, four Serbian, one Bosnian, one Belgian, one Luxembourger, one Polish, and one Portuguese, while the nationality of 14 injured individuals has not yet been determined. The death toll remains at 40. “The process of official identification is proceeding at full pace,” Guillet emphasized. He also noted that 50 of the injured will be transferred on Sunday to hospitals in other European countries.

The same number of victims—“around 40 dead”—was reiterated by the President of the Council of State, Mathias Reynard, clarifying that there has been no further update so far. At the same time, he publicly expressed his thanks to the staff of the Sion hospital, pointing out that many employees interrupted their leave to assist in managing the injured and emergency situations. Finally, he noted that flags are flying at half-mast at all Swiss embassies around the world.

For her part, Attorney General Béatrice Pilloud stated that around 30 people are actively involved in the investigative process. “Our absolute priority remains the identification of the victims, so that families can begin the mourning process,” she said.

Regarding the causes of the deadly fire, Pilloud stated: “The investigation is ongoing. I can assure you that the Prosecutor’s Office is doing everything possible to determine the cause of the fire. We are examining various hypotheses. We assume that the fire was caused by flares that were placed on champagne bottles. From there, the fire spread to the ceiling.”

As reported, the two French managers of the bar have already been questioned. Investigators are also examining the renovations that had been carried out at the bar. “We are also examining the materials that were used,” she stressed. Emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and the bar’s capacity are also under investigation. It is not yet clear whether criminal charges will be brought against any individual. However, it is possible that an investigation for manslaughter by negligence may be launched.