Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the French managers of a bar in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana following a devastating fire that claimed 40 lives, a step officials say is aimed at establishing responsibility and preventing similar disasters in the future.

Prosecutors in the canton of Valais confirmed that the managers of Le Constellation, where the blaze broke out on New Year’s Eve, are under formal criminal investigation. The fire also left 119 people injured, according to officials, many of whom are now receiving ongoing medical care as identification efforts continue. For families, the process remains emotionally taxing as they await confirmation about loved ones who are still unaccounted for.

Police earlier announced that the first victims to be formally identified were four Swiss nationals: two women aged 21 and 16, and two men aged 18 and 16. Their bodies have been returned to their families, allowing for the first steps toward mourning and closure amid the wider national shock.

Preliminary findings from investigators suggest the fire may have been triggered by sparklers attached to champagne bottles being carried too close to the ceiling, where flammable materials were present. Authorities stressed that investigations are ongoing and that conclusions will be carefully verified through forensic analysis and witness testimony.

In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, the Valais public prosecutor’s office said the bar’s French managers are suspected of homicide by negligence, causing bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Officials emphasised that the opening of a criminal case reflects Switzerland’s commitment to due process and to ensuring that safety standards in public venues are rigorously enforced.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies” the country has experienced, expressing solidarity with the victims, their families and the injured. He also praised emergency responders and medical teams for their rapid and coordinated response, which authorities believe helped prevent an even higher loss of life.

While further details about the victims, including their names, have not been made public out of respect for families, officials say identification efforts are progressing carefully and methodically.

US President Donald Trump is expected to give a fuller update shortly following overnight American military strikes in Venezuela, an operation he says resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

Speaking to Fox News for more than a dozen minutes earlier, Trump confirmed several details of the action while leaving key questions unanswered. According to the president, Maduro and his wife are now in US custody and are being transported to the United States. He said no American soldiers were killed during the operation, although some personnel sustained injuries.

Trump added that the US military remains on high alert and is prepared to launch a “second wave” of strikes if any remaining Maduro loyalists attempt to resist or destabilise the situation inside Venezuela. The statement suggests Washington is determined to secure what it sees as a decisive outcome and prevent a rapid deterioration in security.

Looking ahead, Trump said he expects American companies to be “heavily involved” in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, an industry that has suffered years of decline despite the country’s vast reserves. His comments point to the prospect of renewed investment and a possible revival of a sector central to Venezuela’s economic recovery.

However, the scope of US involvement beyond oil remains uncertain. Trump was cautious when asked about broader reconstruction efforts, offering no firm commitments on rebuilding Venezuela’s wider economy or political institutions, both of which have been severely weakened by years of crisis. He also declined to specify who might assume leadership of the country now that Maduro has been removed from power.

The president described the operation as a clear message to the international community, saying last night’s action “sends a signal” that the United States will no longer allow itself to be “pushed around” by other nations. While the comments are likely to reassure supporters who favour a strong US posture abroad, they are also expected to prompt close scrutiny from the rest of the world.

America’s neighbours in the Western Hemisphere, in particular, are watching closely to see how Washington proceeds next. With Venezuela at a political crossroads, attention is now focused on whether the aftermath of the operation can open the door to stability, economic renewal and a more hopeful future for a country long mired in turmoil.

Anthony Joshua’s driver has been formally charged following a tragic road accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two members of the boxer’s team, as authorities move forward with legal proceedings.

Police confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Friday at the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State in connection with the incident, which also left the former heavyweight champion injured.

The crash occurred on Monday along the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway near Sagamu, when a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and his entourage collided with a stationary truck. Joshua was travelling as a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Sadly, Joshua’s long-time personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, were both pronounced dead at the scene. The loss has been deeply felt within Joshua’s camp and the wider boxing community.

Joshua himself sustained injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital for treatment. He was discharged on Wednesday after receiving medical care and has since been recovering.

Prosecutors filed four charges against Mr Kayode, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The court granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦5,000,000 (approximately £2,578), while he was remanded pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

The magistrate adjourned the case until 20 January, allowing the legal process to continue in an orderly manner as investigators and the court work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the accident.

Images from the scene showed Joshua being assisted from the damaged vehicle, underscoring the severity of the collision.