• A memorial for 41 victims of a New Year’s fire in Switzerland caught fire minutes before 6 a.m.
• The memorial was likely ignited by candles left burning at its center, and no injuries were reported.
• Investigators are probing the cause of both the memorial fire and the initial nightclub blaze.

A memorial for the victims of a deadly New Year’s fire in Switzerland itself caught fire early on Sunday, likely sparked by candles left burning inside, according to South China Morning Post. The memorial, serving to honor the 41 individuals killed and the 115 injured in the January 1 inferno at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, was located near the site of the tragedy. Regional police reported that the flames were controlled swiftly by emergency services, but not before damaging several commemorative items.

Images captured on-site revealed the charred remains of the memorial, which included a tent filled with flowers, candles, and notes of condolence, according to Channel News Asia. "Thanks to the rapid intervention of the emergency services, the fire was quickly brought under control," police stated, adding that no one was injured in this incident. A large book of remembrance containing condolences was saved amid the destruction.

The investigation has preliminarily suggested that the fire started near the candles at the center of the memorial, with authorities ruling out third-party involvement. This has prompted questions about safety protocols, especially considering the New Year’s blaze was allegedly ignited by sparklers raised too close to flammable materials in the bar, according to India Times. The owners of the nightclub are facing serious charges, including manslaughter and negligence.

The destruction of the memorial has reopened wounds for the families affected by the January incident. Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, whose son was among the victims, lamented, “It is the municipality’s responsibility to ensure a memorial that is secure,” as reported by South China Morning Post and India Times.