Swiss Authorities Investigate Bar Managers After New Year’s Fire Kills 40
Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the managers of a popular Alpine bar following a devastating fire that killed at least 40 people during New Year’s celebrations, officials confirmed on Sunday. The blaze, one of the deadliest in Switzerland in recent decades, has sparked nationwide grief and renewed scrutiny of fire safety standards in crowded venues.
The fire broke out shortly before midnight at a bar in a mountain resort town, where dozens of people had gathered to ring in the New Year. Emergency services said flames spread rapidly through the building, trapping patrons inside as smoke filled the enclosed space. Survivors described scenes of panic as people rushed for exits amid thick smoke and limited visibility.
Prosecutors said the investigation will focus on whether safety regulations were followed, including occupancy limits, emergency exits, and fire prevention measures. Authorities are also examining whether flammable materials, faulty electrical systems, or unauthorized modifications to the building may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Local officials confirmed that several victims died at the scene, while others succumbed to injuries in the hospital. At least a dozen people remain hospitalized, some in critical condition. Counseling services have been made available for survivors and families of the victims.
The bar’s management has not publicly commented on the investigation, but Swiss media reported that managers were questioned as part of standard legal procedures following mass-casualty incidents. Under Swiss law, negligence resulting in loss of life can carry severe criminal penalties.
The tragedy has prompted calls from safety experts and lawmakers for stricter enforcement of fire safety rules, particularly in entertainment venues during peak holiday periods. “This incident raises serious questions about oversight and compliance,” one fire safety official said, adding that lessons must be learned to prevent similar disasters.
As investigators continue to collect evidence and conduct forensic examinations of the site, flags were lowered, and memorials appeared across the region. Switzerland’s federal government expressed condolences to the victims’ families, calling the incident a profound national tragedy.
