Swiss Authorities Launch New Probe into Ski Resort Bar Fire

A Grave Legal Step After Tragedy

The investigation into the horrific New Year’s Eve fire in the Swiss Alps has taken a very serious turn. On Saturday, January 3, 2026, Swiss prosecutors announced they have opened a criminal investigation. This probe focuses on the two managers of Le Constellation, the bar where at least 40 people died. The fire happened during a busy party in the luxury resort town of Crans-Montana. Swiss Authorities

While the town is still in deep mourning, the police have now looking for answers about who has to blame. This step shows that authorities believe there may have serious mistakes made that night. It is a major development in one of the worst tragedies in the country’s history.

The Charges Against the Managers

The two managers of the bar are facing very heavy legal accusations. According to the Valais Public Prosecutor’s Office, they have suspected of homicide by negligence. They have also investigated for causing bodily harm and arson by negligence. The managers, reported to be a French couple, have already been questioned by the police.

One of the managers was reportedly inside the bar when the fire started and suffered light burns. Under Swiss law, these charges mean the state believes the fire could have prevented. If found guilty, they could face significant time in prison. For now, the “presumption of innocence” still applies as the case moves forward.

Searching for the Spark that Started the Blaze

Investigators have a very clear idea of how the fire likely began. Chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said the “main hypothesis” involves champagne service. It appears that sparkling candles or flares have attached to bottles being carried through the crowd. These sparklers have reportedly held too close to the low wooden ceiling.

Videos from the night show the moment the ceiling foam caught fire. Within seconds, a small spark turned into a “rapid and widespread” blaze. This “tragic mistake” happened while hundreds of young people were dancing and celebrating. Now, the state wants to know if these sparklers have even allowed to be used indoors.

Examining the Safety of the Building

The criminal probe will look at more than just the sparklers themselves. Prosecutors have deeply concerned about the materials used in the bar’s construction. They are testing the soundproofing foam on the ceiling to see if it met fire safety rules. If the foam was highly flammable, it would explain why the fire spread so fast.

Furthermore, the investigation will look at the building’s layout and exits. Witnesses described the basement as a “real prison” with only one narrow staircase. Some people had to smash windows just to get enough air to breathe. The goal is to see if the building was a “death trap” waiting to happen.

The Agony of Identifying the Victims

While the legal case grows, the “absolute priority” remains the identification of the dead. This has been a very “painful and sensitive” task for the forensic teams. Because of the intense heat, many of the bodies were burned beyond recognition. Experts are now using DNA samples and dental records to assign names to the victims.

On Saturday, the first four victims—all young Swiss nationals aged 16 to 21—were officially named. Their bodies have finally been returned to their grieving families. However, dozens of other families are still waiting in agony for news. This slow process is necessary to ensure that every identification is 100 percent sure.

A Global Crisis for Young Travelers

The tragedy at Crans-Montana has affected families from many different countries. Since it is a world-class resort, many of the guests were international tourists. The injured include citizens from France, Italy, Belgium, and Poland. Some of the most severely burned patients have been flown to specialized hospitals across Europe.

For example, seven victims were sent to burn units in Belgium for expert care. This “international scale” makes the criminal investigation much larger and more complex. It requires the Swiss police to work closely with foreign embassies and police forces. The whole world is now waiting for the final results of this investigation.

Scrutiny of Past Inspections

A major question for the investigators is how the bar passed past safety checks. The manager, Jacques Moretti, insisted to local media that “everything was done according to the rules.” He claimed that the venue had been inspected three times in the last ten years. However, the top security official for the region, Stéphane Ganzer, is not so sure.

He told public radio that “something didn’t work” and someone likely made a mistake. The probe will check if the bar was overcrowded at the time of the fire. Le Constellation had a capacity of 300, but it may have had many more people inside for the party.

Support for the Survivors and Families

The town of Crans-Montana is doing everything it can to support those who are suffering. A special hotline and reception center have been set up for the families. Psychologists are working around the clock to help people deal with the shock and trauma. Outside the ruins of the bar, a makeshift memorial is covered in white flowers and soft toys.

People have been standing in silence to honor the “interrupted lives” of the young victims. This “spirit of community” is helping the town stay strong during its darkest hour. It shows that even in a tragedy, people can come together to offer hope.

Political Pressure for Reform

The fire has sparked a huge debate about safety in Swiss nightclubs and bars. President Guy Parmelin called it a “drama of an unknown scale” for the nation. Many politicians are now calling for stricter fire regulations and more frequent checks. They want to make sure that materials like acoustic foam are always fire-resistant. Swiss Authorities

There is also a push to ban the use of any indoor fireworks or sparklers in crowded spaces. The “world needs an answer” to why this happened, according to the Justice Minister. This case will likely lead to big changes in Swiss law to prevent another disaster. Swiss Authorities

Seeking Justice and Closure Swiss Authorities

In conclusion, the criminal investigation into the Crans-Montana fire is a vital step toward justice. By investigating the bar managers, the state is looking to find the “truth behind the tragedy.” The combination of sparklers and flammable materials created a “nightmare scenario” for hundreds of people. Swiss Authorities

While the identification process continues, the legal battle is just beginning. The families deserve to know why their loved ones did not come home from a night of joy. As the probe moves forward in 2026, the focus remains on finding peace and ensuring safety for all. The lessons learned from this “unprecedented” event will never be forgotten. Swiss Authorities

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