Overview
- Valais prosecutors opened a case against the two managers on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson, stressing the presumption of innocence.
- Investigators say the leading hypothesis is that sparklers on champagne bottles ignited foam soundproofing on a low ceiling, causing a fast-spreading blaze.
- Authorities are scrutinizing ceiling materials, the permitted use of pyrotechnics, capacity limits, emergency exits, fire equipment and past inspection records.
- The toll remains 40 dead and 119 injured, many teenagers and young adults, with severely burned patients treated in specialist units in Switzerland and abroad.
- Police said 24 victims have been identified so far, including a 14-year-old Swiss girl, as DNA sampling continues to confirm the remaining dead and injured.