Authorities in Switzerland have confirmed that two managers connected to the bar where a deadly fire broke out are now under criminal investigation, marking a major shift in the case that has already claimed lives and left the nation searching for answers.

The fire, which erupted inside a popular bar in the resort town of Crans-Montana, spread with devastating speed, trapping patrons inside and turning a night out into a scene of panic and death. Investigators now believe management decisions — or failures — may have played a critical role in how the tragedy unfolded.

A Case That Has Taken a Dark Turn

What was initially treated as a tragic accident has now entered a far more serious phase. Prosecutors confirmed that two individuals in managerial roles are being examined for potential criminal liability, including whether safety violations or negligence contributed to the loss of life.

Officials stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that no formal charges have yet been filed. However, the decision to place managers under criminal scrutiny signals that authorities believe the fire may have been preventable.

Questions Surrounding Safety and Preparedness

Investigators are focusing on several key issues inside the bar on the night of the fire:

Whether emergency exits were accessible and clearly marked

If fire alarms or suppression systems were operational

Whether the venue exceeded its legal occupancy limit

How staff responded in the critical moments after smoke and flames appeared

Survivors have described confusion, darkness, and smoke dropping rapidly toward the floor — conditions consistent with a flashover fire, where heat and gases ignite almost simultaneously.

CCTV Footage Changes Everything

Recently reviewed CCTV footage has become central to the investigation. According to authorities, the video provides a clearer timeline of how the fire began and how quickly conditions inside the bar deteriorated.

The footage reportedly shows flames spreading overhead within seconds, while visibility collapsed almost instantly. Investigators are now comparing this footage with safety protocols that management was required to follow.

Victims Had Little Time to Escape

Emergency officials say many victims had only seconds to react. Smoke inhalation, not burns, is believed to be the primary cause of death for several individuals.

One of the most haunting discoveries in the case was a final recorded message found on the phone of a victim — a golfer who had been photographed weeks earlier with Rory McIlroy. His last words, a desperate plea for help, have become a symbol of how quickly the situation became unsurvivable.

Why Managers Are Now in Focus

Legal experts say management can face criminal investigation in Switzerland if evidence suggests:

Ignoring known safety risks

Failing to enforce evacuation procedures

Allowing hazardous conditions to persist

Delaying emergency response

Authorities are examining whether the bar’s layout, materials, or operating decisions contributed to the rapid spread of fire and smoke.

Community Shock and Anger

The investigation has sparked outrage among local residents and families of victims. Many are demanding accountability, not only answers.

Outside the burned venue, memorials of candles and flowers remain. Some relatives have publicly questioned how a modern establishment in a popular resort town could become deadly so quickly.

What Happens Next

Prosecutors are expected to continue gathering evidence, including expert fire analysis, witness testimony, and safety records. If wrongdoing is established, the case could move toward formal charges, carrying serious legal consequences.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation is not about assigning blame prematurely, but about determining whether human decisions contributed to the deaths.

As Switzerland watches closely, the case has become a stark reminder that fire safety failures can turn ordinary nights into irreversible tragedy.