Swiss officials open investigation into managers of bar where fire killed 40

Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the managers of a bar where a New Year’s Eve fire killed 40 people and injured over 100.

The managers face possible charges of involuntary homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire, as investigators examine all leads.

The fire reportedly started when sparklers on Champagne bottles ignited the bar’s ceiling around 1:30 a.m., prompting scrutiny of safety measures, including fire extinguishers, escape routes, and ceiling materials.

Videos showed panicked patrons breaking windows and fleeing through flames, highlighting the chaotic evacuation, CBS News has reported.

Officials acknowledged that mistakes likely contributed to the tragedy but said it is too early to determine whether it could have been prevented.