New investigation launched into owners of Swiss bar after 41 died in New Year's fire

The owners of the Swiss bar Le Constellation, which caught on fire on New Year's Eve, killing 41 young people, have been placed under criminal investigation by Italian prosecutors, Sky News understands.

The victims of the Crans-Montana ski resort blaze include six Italian teenagers, with the Rome Prosecutor's Office in charge of investigating crimes committed abroad concerning its citizens.

The French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who own the bar, are facing charges of culpable and negligent manslaughter by Swiss prosecutors.

They will now face a new probe in Italy, after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had pushed for a Joint Investigation Team earlier this year.

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Rome prosecutors are accusing the owners of crimes including culpable disaster, multiple culpable homicide and grievous bodily harm, sources confirmed.

The survivors also alleged no one gave the people inside the Constellation bar instructions on what to do, extinguishers were not used, and the fire took hold within minutes.

It is understood that both Swiss and Italian prosecutors will now also look at potential administrative responsibilities.

Earlier this week, the mayor of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Feruad, who is also under investigation along with eight people, was questioned for 12 hours in Switzerland.

Investigators believe the fire began when sparkling candles ignited the bar's ceiling, which had been fitted with soundproofing material.

Following Mr Moretti's release on bail in January, a lawyer representing the couple said they would "both continue to comply with all requests from the authorities".

They added: "Their thoughts remain constantly with the victims of this tragedy."

(c) Sky News 2026: New investigation launched into owners of Swiss bar after 41 died in New Year's fire