The managers of a bar where a fire killed 40 people and injured another 119 have been placed under criminal investigation, Swiss prosecutors have said.
The French couple - named by the media as Jacques and Jessica Moretti - are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence, the prosecutors' office in Valais said.
Eight Swiss nationals among those killed were the first to be identified on Saturday.
The likely cause of the fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana was sparklers on bottles being carried too close to the ceiling, a preliminary investigation found.
In a statement, Beatrice Pilloud, the lead prosecutor in the canton of Valais, mentioned that investigators are also looking into whether the venue's acoustic foam contributed to the issue and if it complies with safety regulations.
Several teenagers are among the victims, with Le Constellation being a popular hangout spot for youth at the ski resort, where the drinking age is as low as 16. Among the dead, an Italian teenage golfer was the first identified victim, although officials have withheld many names for privacy and identification purposes.
Outside the bar, tributes including flowers and soft toys have been left in memory of the victims.
Families of those affected are being guided to a local conference center for support, while authorities emphasize the importance of sensitivity in dealing with the identification of the victims due to the severe injuries sustained.
A helpline has been established for concerned families to seek assistance and updates. The tragedy has prompted scrutiny of safety protocols not only at the Le Constellation but potentially across similar venues in the region.
