Swiss prosecutors have announced a criminal investigation into the managers of a bar where a devastating fire resulted in the deaths of 40 individuals and injuries to 119 others.
The French couple, identified by media outlets as Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under suspicion for potential charges including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence, according to the Valais prosecutors’ office.
The initial identifications of the deceased, announced Saturday, included eight Swiss nationals.
A preliminary investigation into the fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana suggests the likely cause was sparklers on bottles being held too close to the ceiling.
Beatrice Pilloud, the lead prosecutor in the canton of Valais, stated that investigators are examining whether the venue’s acoustic foam was “the cause of the problem” and “whether it complies with regulations.”
Among the casualties are numerous teenagers, as Le Constellation was known as a popular spot for younger patrons in the ski resort town, where the legal drinking age is 16.
An Italian teenage golfer was reported as the first confirmed death, though Swiss and Italian officials have not yet formally confirmed this information.
Swiss authorities have not publicly released the names of the eight individuals, aged 16-24, whose identifications were completed on Saturday.
Outside the police barriers surrounding the bar, tributes of flowers, stuffed animals, and messages of sympathy and hope have accumulated.
On Saturday, families were directed to a conference center on the outskirts of Crans.
Members of the Italian Civil Protection team were present at the center, alongside Italy’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, to provide assistance.
Ambassador Cornado indicated that the identification process is expected to be finalized by Sunday afternoon.
The ambassador noted that the slow pace of identification is due to the severity of burns suffered by many of the victims.
A helpline has been established for concerned families: +41 848 112 117
You can also get in touch by following this link