Swiss Prosecutors Open Criminal Case After Deadly New Year’s Eve Bar Fire in Crans-Montana
Managers of a ski resort bar face investigation as authorities confirm dozens of deaths and injuries in one of Switzerland’s worst recent tragedies
Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the managers of a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana after a fire killed forty people and injured one hundred nineteen others during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The investigation targets the French managers of the venue, Le Constellation, on suspicion of homicide by negligence, causing bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
Authorities said the fire broke out during a crowded celebration and spread rapidly through the building.
A preliminary assessment indicates the blaze likely began when sparklers attached to champagne bottles were carried too close to the ceiling, igniting flammable materials.
The bar was known to attract a younger crowd, including teenagers, in a town where the legal drinking age is sixteen.
Police have confirmed the identification of four of the victims so far: two Swiss women aged twenty-one and sixteen, and two Swiss men aged eighteen and sixteen.
Many of the dead and missing are believed to be teenagers.
As of Friday, one hundred thirteen injured people had been identified, including Swiss, French, and Italian citizens.
Families of victims and those still unaccounted for are being supported through a centralized assistance process, while identification continues.
Officials said the process has been slow due to the severity of burns suffered by many victims.
Switzerland’s president described the incident as one of the worst tragedies the country has experienced in recent years.
The investigation continues as authorities work to establish full responsibility for the disaster.
The investigation targets the French managers of the venue, Le Constellation, on suspicion of homicide by negligence, causing bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
Authorities said the fire broke out during a crowded celebration and spread rapidly through the building.
A preliminary assessment indicates the blaze likely began when sparklers attached to champagne bottles were carried too close to the ceiling, igniting flammable materials.
The bar was known to attract a younger crowd, including teenagers, in a town where the legal drinking age is sixteen.
Police have confirmed the identification of four of the victims so far: two Swiss women aged twenty-one and sixteen, and two Swiss men aged eighteen and sixteen.
Many of the dead and missing are believed to be teenagers.
As of Friday, one hundred thirteen injured people had been identified, including Swiss, French, and Italian citizens.
Families of victims and those still unaccounted for are being supported through a centralized assistance process, while identification continues.
Officials said the process has been slow due to the severity of burns suffered by many victims.
Switzerland’s president described the incident as one of the worst tragedies the country has experienced in recent years.
The investigation continues as authorities work to establish full responsibility for the disaster.
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