Criminal investigation launched after 40 killed in Swiss nightclub fire

Investigators believe sparklers may have led to the deadly fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year's Day

Prosecutors have confirmed that a criminal case has been launched against the owners of a Swiss nightclub following a deadly blaze on New Year's Day.

The fire, which broke out at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana in the early hours of January 1, is one of the deadliest fires in Swiss history, leaving 40 people dead and a further 119 injured. 

On Saturday (January 3), prosecutors confirmed that the managers of Le Constellation, French nationals Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are being investigated under suspicion of "manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence."

Police have now confirmed the identities of all the victims of the blaze, whose ages range from 14 to 39 years old; 15 of those were under 18. Switzerland's legal drinking age is 16 and over.

Among the injured, six people are said to be suffering from such severe burns that they have not yet been identified, BBC News reports.

Footage posted across social media seem to show the moment the fire broke out, with sparklers attached to champagne bottles appearing to set acoustic foam on the venue's ceiling alight.

A preliminary investigation found that these sparklers were the likely cause of the tragedy, with Valais Lead Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud confirming in a statement that officials are currently investigating whether the ceiling's foam "complied with regulations."

On Sunday (January 4), hundreds marched in Crans-Montana to honour the victims of the fire, holding a moments silence and laying floral tributes in front of Le Constellation, which is currently shielded from view by white tents as forensic investigations continue. 

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter 

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