How the blaze took hold with such ferocity, killing at least 40 people and leaving many more critically injured, is now a key focus for officials.

BERLIN: A fire at a bar in the Swiss Alps has left people dead and injured during New Year’s celebrations. Local media reported that police had confirmed fatalities and injuries…

The fire broke out at 1.30 a.m. (0030 GMT) in a bar called "Le Constellation", police said in a statement.