Swiss authorities began a criminal investigation against the managers of Le Constellation Bar, in Crans-Montana, after a tragic fire on New Year’s Eve. The fire broke out around 1:30 am and killed 40 people, injuring 119, many seriously. The bar was packed with young people celebrating the new year. The prosecutors said the two managers face charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. “The presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is handed down,” noted the police statement. Owned and run by a French couple, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the bar reportedly had a capacity of 300 people inside and 40 on the terrace. Jacques Moretti told Swiss media that all safety measures were followed. However, authorities are investigating if safety rules were breached. Wallis chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud highlighted that safety standards are a key point of the inquiry. The main theory is that sparklers or Bengal candles attached to champagne bottles, raised too close to the low wooden ceiling covered with foam, sparked the fire. Videos on social media clearly show the ceiling catching fire and the flames spreading quickly while partygoers continued to dance, unaware of the danger. Witnesses said the fire began in a basement event space linked to the main floor by a single narrow staircase, raising concerns about escape routes.