Switzerland Probes Crans-Montana Bar Fire That Killed About 40 as DNA Identifications Begin

Overview

• Officials report roughly 40 dead and about 115 injured from the New Year blaze at Le Constellation in the Valais resort, with victim counts still being finalized.
• Prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud said videos and witness interviews support the working theory that ‘star’ candles on champagne bottles ignited materials near the ceiling, prompting a rapid spread.
• Investigators are reviewing acoustic insulation, venue capacity, exits and overall compliance, with potential charges under evaluation for negligent arson, negligent homicide and property damage.
• Italian teen golfer Emanuele Galeppini, 16, was the first victim publicly identified as forensic teams use DNA and dental records; multiple nationalities are involved and embassies are assisting.
• Separately in Brazil, holiday road crashes left multiple dead in cases under PRF inquiry, including three youths on GO-334, four relatives in Barra do Garças, one death in a Fernão Dias bus rollover, and a fatal BR-040 collision, with lines of inquiry citing speed, distraction, fatigue or mechanical failure; a Varginha council president suspected in a hit-and-run left jail on a court order as investigations continue.