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Swiss Bar Owners Probed After Crans-Montana Blaze Kills 40, Injures 119

Prosecutors have opened a negligent‑homicide case centered on sparklers that likely set an acoustic‑foam ceiling alight.

Overview

  • Jacques and Jessica Moretti are under investigation for negligent homicide, negligent bodily injury and negligent arson, with no arrests and the presumption of innocence affirmed.
  • Preliminary findings indicate champagne-bottle sparklers ignited a soundproofed basement ceiling, causing a fast-spreading fire that trapped patrons on a narrow stairway.
  • Forensic teams have identified and returned the first four victims, Swiss youths aged 16 to 21, as DNA and dental analyses continue for the remaining deceased.
  • Hospitals are caring for 119 injured, many in critical condition, with patients treated in Switzerland and transferred to Germany, Italy, France and Poland as capacity was stretched.
  • Investigators are scrutinizing renovations, materials, inspections, fire-suppression equipment and escape routes, while the owners say the venue passed three inspections in the past decade and the justice minister visited the site.