A devastating fire tore through a nightclub in the Swiss Alps on New Year’s Eve, killing at least 40 people and injuring 119 others - and now, prosecutors are going after two bar managers.
Swiss officials confirmed Saturday that the unnamed duo are under investigation for negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence, according to The Independent.
The charges stem from the deadly fire that broke out during a packed holiday party in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana.
The blaze erupted at Le Constellation around 1:30AM on Thursday, turning what should have been a night of celebration into a nightmare of flames, panic, and unimaginable loss.
Teenagers among the dead as officials begin naming victims
Authorities have now started identifying those killed in the disaster.
The first confirmed victims include two Swiss girls, aged 16 and 21, and two Swiss boys, aged 16 and 18.
Their names have not been made public, and officials say several bodies are still too badly burned to identify without DNA or dental records.
Among the confirmed dead is Emanuele Galeppini, a rising 17-year-old Italian golf star. His death was confirmed in an emotional tribute posted by the Italian Golf Federation on Instagram.
"The Italian Golf Federation mourns the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried passion and authentic values with him," the statement read.
The bodies of the four identified victims have been returned to their families. But for many, the wait continues.
Desperate families speak out as survivors recall the chaos
Survivors described terrifying scenes as the flames took hold of the basement venue, sparked by sparklers attached to champagne bottles that ignited a low ceiling.
As fire and smoke filled the club, partygoers smashed windows to escape, but many were trapped trying to flee through a narrow exit.
Witnesses told ABC News and Sky News the scene was "like a horror movie", with some people burning as they ran.
Relatives of the missing say they're still searching for answers - and not getting any.
"I’m living a nightmare, a nightmare," said Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, who’s been searching hospitals for her 16-year-old son, Arthur. "Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in critical condition. It’s terrible."
Others are holding on to hope.
"We always hope — we are full of hope," said Pierre, grandfather of 22-year-old Emilie Pralong, who is still unaccounted for. "It helps to overcome whatever the hardship."
Dozens from across Europe injured as international shock grows
Out of the 119 injured, officials have identified 113 victims, including 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French, 11 Italians, and others from Serbia, Bosnia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland. The nationalities of 14 others remain unknown.
Local hospitals were overwhelmed, with the most severely burned patients airlifted to specialized burn centers in neighboring countries.
The disaster has sparked international mourning. On Friday, Pope Leo expressed condolences to the families of the victims in a message to the Bishop of Sion.
"That the Lord will welcome the deceased into His abode of peace and light, and will sustain the courage of those who suffer in their hearts or in their bodies," he wrote.
Club owners speak out as criminal investigation expands
Swiss prosecutors confirmed the club’s French owners, Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica, 40, have been interviewed as part of the investigation.
Authorities said possible charges will depend on whether the club followed fire safety regulations, occupancy limits, and other required precautions.
Speaking for the first time on Friday to the Tribune de Geneve, the Morettis insisted the bar was operating legally.
They claimed that all laws and regulations had been followed and that Le Constellation had passed three safety inspections in the past decade.