Italian Prosecutors Investigate Swiss Fire Disaster That Killed Italian Citizens

The Rome Prosecutor's Office in Italy has launched an investigation into the fire disaster in Switzerland.

Reporters gathered at the fire scene in Switzerland. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to foreign media reports on January 9 (local time), the Rome Prosecutor's Office is investigating the incident on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and arson. Crimes involving Italian citizens that occur abroad fall under the jurisdiction of the Rome Prosecutor's Office.

At around 1:30 a.m. on January 1, a fire broke out at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people and injuring 116. Investigators believe the fire started when sparks from a firework attached to a champagne bottle hit the ceiling.

Six Italian teenagers were killed and 16 were injured. Among the injured, three are reported to be in critical condition.