Swiss Authorities Launch Criminal Investigation into Bar Owners After Deadly Fire

Criminal Investigation in Switzerland

Managers of a bar where a fire claimed the lives of 40 people and injured another 119 have been placed under criminal investigation, Swiss prosecutors announced. The French couple, referred to by the media as Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are suspected of involuntary manslaughter, bodily injury due to negligence, and negligent arson, according to the Valais prosecutor's office.

The first victim identified among the deceased was a Swiss teenager, and preliminary investigations indicate that the blaze at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana may have been sparked by fireworks placed too close to the ceiling. Beatrice Pilloud, the chief prosecutor of Valais, stated that investigators are examining whether the soundproofing foam in the venue was "the source of the problem," as well as whether it complies with existing regulations.

Among the dead and missing are numerous teenagers. Le Constellation was a popular hangout for youth in the ski resort, where the minimum legal drinking age is 16. An Italian golfer, the first name revealed as a victim, has been confirmed, although Swiss and Italian officials have yet to confirm his death. Swiss authorities have not released the names of the eight individuals identified on Saturday, all of whom were aged between 16 and 24.

Families of the victims are anxiously awaiting news, and a conference center near Crans-Montana has been opened to provide support. Italy's ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, stated that the identification process should be completed by Sunday afternoon; however, this has been delayed due to the severity of the burns sustained by the victims. A dedicated hotline for concerned families has also been established: +41 848 112 117.