Swiss investigates bar managers after fatal fire in ski resort

(MENAFN) Swiss prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the managers of a ski resort bar where a fire killed 40 people and injured 119 others.

The suspects, a French couple reported by the media as Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face charges including manslaughter by negligence, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson, according to authorities in Valais.

Eight of the deceased, all Swiss nationals, were identified on Saturday. Preliminary findings suggest the fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana may have been caused by sparklers on bottles coming too close to the ceiling. Investigators are also examining whether the venue’s acoustic foam contributed to the blaze and whether it met safety regulations.

Many victims were teenagers, as the bar is popular with younger patrons in the ski resort town, where the legal drinking age is 16. Among those confirmed dead is a teenage Italian golfer, though Swiss and Italian authorities have not officially verified his death. The eight identified victims range from 16 to 24 years old.

Outside the bar, tributes including flowers, soft toys, and messages have been placed at police barriers. Families of the victims are being directed to a nearby conference center in Crans, where the Italian Civil Protection team and Italy’s ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, are assisting with the identification process. Cornado noted that the procedure is slow due to the severe burns suffered by many of the victims, with completion expected by Sunday afternoon.

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