New Delhi, Jan. 3 -- Investigators believe sparkling candles placed atop Champagne bottles ignited the fatal fire that tore through a crowded bar at a Swiss ski resort during New Year's Eve celebrations, authorities said on Friday.

Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said the fire likely started when sparkler candles used during bottle service were brought too close to the ceiling of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, triggering a rapid and violent spread of flames.

"It appears the fire started from sparkler candles, which were placed on top of Champagne bottles and were taken too close to the ceiling during bottle service," Pilloud said at a press conference, according to Fox News.

She explained that the sparks ignited co...