Overview
- Valais prosecutors placed Le Constellation’s two managers under investigation on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and causing a fire by negligence, with both questioned by authorities.
- Investigators say the leading hypothesis is that sparklers on champagne bottles ignited a low ceiling covered with soundproofing foam, with inquiries assessing materials, occupancy, escape routes and inspection history.
- Police now say 24 of the 40 dead have been identified, including 11 minors and several foreign nationals, with the youngest confirmed victim a 14-year-old Swiss girl.
- Officials report 119 injured, many with severe burns, with patients transferred to specialist units in Switzerland and neighboring countries as DNA-based identification proceeds.
- Crans-Montana held memorial services over the weekend and Switzerland set a national day of mourning for January 9, when church bells will ring nationwide.