The death of at least 40 people in a New Year's Eve fire in a Swiss ski resort has once again highlighted the dangers of igniting indoor fireworks in bars and nightclubs.

As emergency services work to identify everyone killed and injured in the blaze at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, officials revealed more details about what happened at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

"It would appear that the fire started from sparkler candles, otherwise known as flares, which were placed on top of champagne bottles," local attorney general Beatrice Pilloud said.

"These flares were taken too close to the ceiling. This led to what is referred to as a flashover incident, where the fire spread very rapidly."

Follow latest: Former pupil at UK school missing after blaze

Ms Pilloud said an investigation will look into whether a type of foam on the bar's ceiling contributed to the spread of the fire.

Fires in nightclubs, which can often be cramped, dark spaces, have claimed lives around the world over the years - and fireworks are often to blame. Here are some recent examples.

Image: Moment fire breaks out in a Goa nightclub

December 2025: Nightclub fire in Goa, India

Last month 25 people were killed when a fire ripped through a nightclub in Goa, India.

The incident happened a venue in Arpora village, a party hub in North Goa.

Goa's chief minister Pramod Sawant said the inferno broke out after electrical firecrackers were set off inside the club.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the deadly fire was "deeply saddening".

Read more:
Everything we know about Swiss ski resort fire
Partygoer seen trying to tackle flames

Image: A forensic investigator enters the burnt out Pulse night club in Kocani. Pic: Reuters