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Swiss Prosecutors Open Negligent Homicide Case Against Bar Owners After Crans-Montana New Year’s Fire

Authorities identify champagne-bottle flares near the ceiling as the likely ignition source.

Overview

  • The Valais prosecutor is investigating owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti for negligent homicide, negligent bodily injury and negligent arson, with no arrests announced.
  • Forensic teams have returned the first four identified victims—Swiss youths aged 16 to 21—to their families as identification of the remaining dead continues.
  • Investigators are scrutinizing acoustic ceiling foam, recent renovations, suppression systems and escape routes to determine compliance and the fire’s rapid spread.
  • Hospitals are treating 119 injured, many in critical condition, with patients transferred to facilities in Germany, Italy, France and Poland due to capacity strains.
  • The owners say the venue met safety rules and passed multiple inspections, and Justice Minister Beat Jans visited the site and said fire-safety norms are under review.