Candles cause blaze at memorial for Swiss fire victims

A fire has broken out at a memorial to the victims of the New Year's Eve blaze in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana.

The fire brigade quickly extinguished the flames in the early hours of Sunday, the police wrote on the short message service X.

No one was injured.

Although several items were damaged, "the condolence book could be preserved," police stated, with reconstruction of the site under way.

Investigators believe that the fire started on a table where numerous candles were placed.

They do not suspect arson.

"Third-party involvement can be ruled out at this time," police stated.

The flames burned a large hole in the roof of the tent, which had been erected to protect hundreds of candles, flowers, letters and teddy bears from the weather.

The memorial commemorates the 41 victims who died in the fire during New Year celebrations at Le Constellation bar.

About 80 people were injured, some severely.

Many are still in intensive care more than five weeks after the tragedy, suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation.