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Swiss Open Criminal Investigation Into Managers of Crans-Montana Bar Fire That Killed 40

The probe centers on reports that bottle sparklers ignited flammable ceiling material.

Overview

  • Valais prosecutors placed Jacques and Jessica Moretti under investigation on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson.
  • Authorities say 119 people were injured, with many victims in their teens and early 20s and several foreign nationals among the wounded.
  • Investigators’ leading hypothesis is that fountain-style sparklers on champagne bottles ignited foam soundproofing, triggering a rapid flashover.
  • The inquiry is reviewing exits, occupancy, fire extinguishers and any sprinkler systems, as well as whether ceiling materials complied with safety rules.
  • Police have identified and returned the first four bodies to families, while severely burned survivors are being treated in specialized units in Switzerland and neighboring countries.