Investigators have identified all 40 people who were killed in the New Year bar fire in Crans Montana, Switzerland, as a criminal probe into the operators of the establishment continues.

Many of those killed and injured by a fire that tore through a bar in Switzerland's Crans-Montana ski resort were teenagers celebrating the new year.

New Year's Eve nightclub fire in Swiss resort Crans-Montana kills 40, injures 119. Witnesses say bartender carried lit sparkler near wooden ceiling before flames erupted.

Police initiated a criminal case over the inferno, which killed 40 and injured 119, and said they were focused on champagne sparklers, venue capacity and building materials.

One of the owners of the Swiss ski bar where 40 New Year’s Eve revelers were killed in a horrifying fire had an extensive criminal history dating back more than 20 years and even served time

At least 40 people were killed and 119 injured in the inferno, said Swiss officials in the southwestern canton of Valais, an "unprecedented" toll in a resort known for panoramic Alpine views and sporting attractions like skiing and golf.