Overview
- Authorities in Valais opened criminal proceedings for negligent homicide, negligent assault and negligent arson against two managers of Le Constellation.
- Officials report about 40 people dead and 119 injured, with victims including Swiss citizens and nationals from several European countries.
- Prosecutors say preliminary evidence points to ceiling ignition from sparklers mounted on champagne bottles, supported by videos and witness accounts.
- Investigators have questioned staff and are examining recent renovations, building materials, emergency exits, fire extinguishers and actual crowding at the venue.
- Switzerland declared five days of national mourning as forensic and criminal inquiries continue at the basement nightclub, which had a capacity of about 300.