Bar Owner Held After Swiss New Year’s Fire That Killed 40

Overview

• The manager of the Crans-Montana bar was taken into custody in Sion after a lengthy interrogation, according to 24heures, and the Valais tribunal must confirm the detention.
• Police report 40 dead and at least 116 injured, many with severe burns, with most victims aged between 14 and 24.
• Investigators say indoor fireworks fountains likely ignited the ceiling covering inside the venue.
• Swiss authorities have opened a criminal probe into the owners on counts of involuntary manslaughter, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson, with potential prison terms of roughly three to four and a half years if convicted.
• French outlets report the owner was convicted in 2008 in France for aggravated pimping, receiving a 12-month sentence with eight months suspended and a reported ban on doing business in France.