Overview
- Police said the death toll remains 40 and the number of injured has been revised to 116, with 83 still hospitalized.
- Authorities confirmed nine French nationals among the dead and 23 French citizens injured, as cross-border transfers moved dozens of burn patients, including 17 to France.
- Cantonal prosecutors are investigating the bar’s French managers for homicide, bodily injury and arson by negligence, and they have not been placed in custody.
- Early findings indicate sparkling “fontaine” candles likely ignited the blaze below a low ceiling where acoustic foam may have fueled rapid spread, and the adequacy of escape routes is under review.
- Switzerland will hold a national day of mourning on January 9 in Crans-Montana, which President Emmanuel Macron will attend, while Italy’s ambassador denounced the tragedy as avoidable.