Overview
- Valais prosecutors opened a criminal investigation on Friday night into managers Jacques and Jessica Moretti on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and causing a fire by negligence.
- The leading hypothesis points to fountain sparklers on champagne bottles igniting soundproofing on a low ceiling during a packed basement party.
- Authorities are reviewing whether ceiling materials and pyrotechnic use complied with regulations, along with on-site measures such as fire extinguishers and escape routes.
- Police have identified four Swiss victims — two aged 16, one 18 and one 21 — with further identifications pending through DNA as families wait for confirmation.
- Officials reported 119 injured, while Italy’s ambassador later cited 121, and several critically burned patients have been transferred to specialist burn centers in neighboring countries.