Swiss prosecutors have placed the two managers of a bar in Crans-Montana under criminal investigation after a fire on New Year's Day killed at least 40 people and injured more than 100. The blaze broke out at around 1:30am local time on Thursday at Le Constellation bar, which was packed with young revellers.
The French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who owned and managed the bar, are suspected of homicide by negligence, causing bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence, the prosecutor's office in the canton of Valais said in a statement on Saturday. The presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction.
Investigators believe the fire was caused by fountain sparklers mounted on champagne bottles and held too close to the ceiling. An image circulating online appeared to show the ceiling, clad with foam soundproofing panels, catching fire as the sparklers were held aloft.
Authorities plan to examine whether the sound-dampening material complied with regulations and whether the sparklers were permitted for use in the bar. They will also look at other safety measures, including fire extinguishers and escape routes. The region's senior prosecutor warned of possible prosecutions if criminal liability is found.
Stéphane Ganzer, the Valais region's top security official, told SRF public radio that 'such a huge accident with a fire in Switzerland means that something didn't work – maybe the material, maybe the organisation on the spot.' He added: 'Something didn't work and someone made a mistake, I am sure of that.'
