Geneva, 3 January 2026 (dpa/MIA) - A criminal investigation has been launched into the two operators of the bar that burned down in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, leaving 40 people dead, the police announced on Saturday.

"They are accused of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent causing of a conflagration," the police for the region of Valais where Crans-Montana is located announced. "It should be remembered that the presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is reached."

In the fire on New Year's Eve, initial investigations suggest that foam on the ceiling caught fire due to sparking party fountains. It spread within a very short time. In addition to the fatalities, 119 people were mostly seriously injured.

Doubts about compliance with fire safety regulations

Fire safety experts had already questioned whether the bar had enough emergency exits and whether the material likely installed under the ceiling for soundproofing was compliant with the law.

The operators of the bar, a French couple, told the media they were devastated and were cooperating with the authorities to clarify the disaster.

"After the completion of the initial investigations, which were conducted under the direction of the Valais public prosecutor's office, a criminal investigation into the two operators of the bar was opened last night," the police stated.

Photo: EPA