Swiss Authorities Investigate Bar Managers After Fire Kills 40

Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the managers of a Crans-Montana bar where a fire killed 40 people and injured 119, officials said.

The French couple, identified by media as Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence, according to the Valais prosecutor’s office.

Eight Swiss victims have been identified so far, all aged 16-24, with many of the dead and missing believed to be teenagers. A preliminary investigation suggests the fire at Le Constellation may have started when sparklers on bottles were carried too close to the ceiling.

Lead prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said authorities are also examining whether the venue’s acoustic foam contributed to the blaze and whether it complied with safety regulations.

A teenage Italian golfer is believed to be among the dead, though Swiss and Italian officials have not yet confirmed his identity. Families were guided to a conference centre outside Crans on Saturday, where the Italian Civil Protection team and Italy’s ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, assisted with the identification process.

Ambassador Cornado said the procedure may continue into Sunday due to the severe burns suffered by many victims. Outside the bar, people have left flowers, soft toys and messages of love and hope.