Switzerland opens criminal probe into bar managers after deadly New Year's fire

GENEVA

A criminal investigation has been opened into two bar managers following a deadly New Year's fire in a Swiss ski resort town, cantonal police said Saturday.

According to Valais police, "the first elements of the investigation opened following the fire that occurred on January 1, 2026 in the bar 'Le Constellation' in Crans-Montana led to the opening of a criminal investigation against the two managers of the establishment."

Police said in a statement that the investigation is being carried out under the direction of the Valais Public Prosecutor's Office.

"At the end of the first investigations, carried out under the direction of the Public Prosecutor's Office of the canton of Valais, a criminal investigation was opened yesterday evening against the two managers of the bar," the statement said.

The suspects are accused of "negligent homicide, negligent personal injury and negligent arson,” police added, stressing that "the presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is pronounced."

The fire, which erupted early on New Year's Day, cost the lives of 40 people and left 119 injured, most of them seriously, according to authorities.

Police previously said the first four victims, two young Swiss women age 21 and 16 and two young Swiss men age 18 and 16, have been formally identified and their bodies returned to their families, while identification procedures for other victims remain ongoing.

On Friday, Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said early investigative findings suggest that sparkling candles on champagne bottles ignited the fire as they were too close to the ceiling.