Swiss Prosecutors Add 5 Officials to Crans-Montana Fire Probe

Swiss prosecutors have expanded their investigation into a deadly New Year's Eve fire at a bar in the upscale ski resort town of Crans-Montana, adding five current and former local officials, including the mayor, to the list of suspects facing potential charges of negligent homicide.

The blaze erupted in the early hours of January 1 at Le Constellation bar, killing 41 people, most of them teenagers, and injuring 115 others. Authorities believe the fire started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles, held by guests or staff, ignited highly flammable sound insulation foam in the basement ceiling. The rapid spread trapped victims inside the crowded venue, marking one of the worst disasters in modern Swiss history.

The Valais canton's public prosecutor's office confirmed the addition of the new suspects on March 9, bringing the total number of people under criminal investigation to nine. Among them is Nicolas Feraud, the mayor of Crans-Montana, who has been summoned for questioning on April 13. The other officials include a former municipal councillor responsible for security, a former fire safety officer and his deputy, and a current member of the public safety team....