The memorial was located in Crans-Montana near the Le Constellation nightclub, where the Jan. 1 tragedy occurred
Cantonale Valaisanne Police/Instagram
NEED TO KNOW
- A memorial for the 41 people who died in a nightclub blaze during a New Year’s Eve celebration in Switzerland caught fire
- The memorial was located in Crans-Montana near the Le Constellation nightclub, where the Jan. 1 tragedy occurred
- Authorities said the fire was quickly contained thanks to “swift intervention” by emergency services
A memorial for the 41 people who died in a nightclub blaze during a New Year's Eve celebration in Switzerland caught fire.
The fire began shortly before 6 a.m. local time on Sunday, Feb. 8, the Valais Cantonal Police (VCP) said in a translated news release.
The memorial was located in Crans-Montana near the Le Constellation nightclub, where the Jan. 1 tragedy occurred. It was made up of a tent full of flowers, candles and tribute notes.
Authorities said the fire was quickly contained thanks to “swift intervention” by emergency services.
Police do not believe that the fire was set intentionally, but was rather caused by “candles placed on a table in the center of the memorial," the news release said.
No injuries were reported. However, a number of items were damaged in the fire.
A book of condolences was recovered, and the memorial is already being rebuilt, authorities said.
Cantonale Valaisanne Police/Instagram
The VCP did not immediately respond to PEOPLE'S request for comment on Feb. 8.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The memorial commemorated the victims of the deadly fire that broke out at Le Constellation at around 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, during a packed New Year’s celebration.
MAXIME SCHMID / AFP via Getty
Authorities said sparklers placed on top of champagne bottles likely caused the Jan. 1 blaze. They believe the sparks came into contact with soundproofing foam on the ceiling of the club, according to French newspaper Le Parisien.
A service door in the club was also reportedly locked, which prevented more people from escaping, police said.
In addition to the 41 people killed, more than 100 people were injured during the deadly incident.
The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!
Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the husband and wife who own the club, are currently facing charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence, according to Le Parisien.
Read the full article here
