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Prosecutor Confirms Emergency Exit as Probe Eyes Sparkler Ignition in Crans-Montana Club Fire

Authorities are pursuing a champagne-sparkler ignition hypothesis without naming suspects.

Overview

  • Cantonal prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said there are no formal suspects and that potential charges could range from negligent arson to negligent homicide pending expert findings.
  • Investigators consider a lit sparkler on a champagne bottle the most likely ignition source, with forensic checks under way on ceiling materials, fire equipment and evacuation routes.
  • The latest official toll lists at least 40 dead and about 121 injured, with victims from multiple countries and Italy reporting 14 wounded citizens.
  • Identification is progressing slowly, and Italy’s ambassador said six bodies have been identified so far, none of them Italian.
  • Owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti were interviewed as witnesses and assert the venue passed three inspections in a decade, while an Italian initially listed as missing, Giuliano Biasini, was located alive and safe.