A criminal investigation is ‍underway in Switzerland following a New Year’s Eve incident⁢ that resulted in forty fatalities and 119 injuries. Teh valais Public Prosecutor’s Office opened the investigation on Friday, less than 48 hours after the event, focusing on the two⁢ managers of the bar where the tragedy occurred.

Managers Face Negligence charges

The two managers, both French citizens, are accused of homicide, ⁤bodily harm, and arson,‍ all stemming from alleged negligence. Each charge ‍carries a potential sentence of up too three years in prison, with a maximum combined penalty of four and a half years.It is important to note that, as with all legal proceedings, the managers are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

According⁣ to a spokesperson for the cantonal⁤ police, the managers have not been ⁣placed in pre-trial detention and ‍are not currently restricted from ‍leaving Switzerland.

Critical Condition for Many Injured

The prognosis for the majority of the 119 individuals injured in the incident remains uncertain as they receive treatment in swiss and European hospitals. The severity of the injuries suggests a prolonged recovery period for many.

International Pressure for Accountability

Swiss President Guy Parmelin pledged a full and transparent investigation ‍into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy on Thursday. This commitment came amid increasing pressure from neighboring Italy, which has a critically important ‍number of citizens affected by the⁣ incident.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, while at ⁤the scene of the tragedy, called for a clear determination⁢ of responsibility. Deputy ⁣Prime Minister Matteo Salvini further emphasized the need for accountability, stating on social media that those responsible should face imprisonment in Switzerland.