Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the two managers of a bar where a devastating fire on New Year's Day claimed at least 40 lives. The blaze, which ripped through the crowded Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, also left more than 100 people injured.
Sparklers Blamed for Catastrophic Blaze
Investigators have concluded that the deadly inferno was caused by fountain sparklers mounted on champagne bottles. According to their findings, the pyrotechnics were held too close to the ceiling, which was apparently clad with foam soundproofing panels. A widely circulated image appears to show the moment the ceiling in the basement party venue caught fire.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, around 1.30am, as the venue was packed with revellers, mostly young people, celebrating the start of the new year. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing the building in a tragedy that has shocked the nation.
Managers Face Serious Negligence Charges
The public prosecutor's office in the canton of Valais announced the investigation on Saturday. The bar managers are suspected of homicide by negligence, causing bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. This legal action underscores the severity with which authorities are treating the incident, as families of the victims face an agonising wait for formal identification of their loved ones.
A Resort in Mourning
The disaster has cast a dark shadow over the popular alpine resort of Crans-Montana, known for its skiing and upscale tourism. The community, along with Swiss officials, is now grappling with the aftermath of one of the country's deadliest fires in recent history. The investigation will continue to examine the specific circumstances and safety protocols in place at the venue.
