A fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in the early hours of January 1, resulted in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries. All victims have been identified, and a criminal investigation is ongoing into the bar's operators. The incident prompted a national day of mourning in Switzerland and has led to international probes from Italy and France.
Incident Overview
The fire occurred at Le Constellation bar, located in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais canton, Switzerland. The incident, which took place during New Year's celebrations, caused a significant number of casualties and injuries. Initial reports stated 119 injuries, a figure later revised to 116 after three individuals admitted to hospitals were determined not to be linked to the blaze.
Casualties and Identification
Authorities confirmed that all 40 fatalities were identified by Sunday following the incident. Of the deceased, 26 were teenagers, with ages ranging from 14 to 39 years, and an average age of 19. The youngest victims included a 14-year-old Swiss national and a 14-year-old French national. Identification was challenging due to severe burns sustained by many victims, necessitating forensic methods such as DNA samples and dental records.
The identified victims included:
- 21 Swiss nationals
- 9 French citizens (including dual nationals)
- 6 Italian nationals
- Individuals from Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey.
- One victim, aged 15, held French, Israeli, and British nationality.
Injuries and Medical Response
The fire resulted in 116 injuries, with 83 individuals remaining hospitalized as of a police statement. Many victims sustained disfiguring wounds. Thirty-five patients were transferred from Swiss hospitals to specialized burn units across Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy, to alleviate pressure on Swiss medical facilities.
The injured individuals represented a diverse range of nationalities, including:
- 68 Swiss citizens
- 21 French nationals
- 10 Italian nationals
- 4 Serbs
- 2 Poles
- 1 national each from Australia, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the Republic of Congo.
- Additionally, four dual nationals were identified, including those with citizenship combinations such as France and Finland, France and Italy, Switzerland and Belgium, and Italy and the Philippines.
Investigation Details
Investigators believe the fire originated from sparkling candles, also referred to as "fountain candles" or "Bengal fountains," placed in proximity to the bar's ceiling. Social media images indicated the ceiling was clad with soundproofing foam. Witness accounts suggested the fire spread rapidly, generating significant smoke and heat.
A criminal investigation is underway, with the bar's owners, French nationals Jacques and Jessica Moretti, named as individuals under suspicion. They are being investigated for alleged offenses including homicide by negligence, involuntary bodily harm, and involuntarily causing a fire. Initially, they were not arrested and were not considered a flight risk. However, prosecutors later requested the pre-trial detention of Jacques Moretti, citing a "risk of flight," while Jessica Moretti remains free under judicial supervision.
The investigation is examining several aspects, including:
- Whether the sound-dampening material on the ceiling complied with regulations.
- If the use of sparkling candles was permitted.
- The adequacy of on-site safety measures, such as fire extinguishers and escape routes.
- Compliance of previous site work with safety codes.
- Age verification processes at the bar.
- The frequency and adequacy of fire safety inspections, noting that inspections had not been conducted since 2019.
Jacques Moretti has stated that Le Constellation had undergone three inspections over a decade and operated in adherence to regulations. Local Crans-Montana officials reported no prior concerns or documented defects. The municipality has provided investigators with all relevant documents and joined the criminal proceedings as a civil party to facilitate the establishment of facts. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini publicly questioned the safety of the bar's basement, emergency systems, and inspection frequency.
Public and International Response
Switzerland observed a national day of mourning on Friday, which included the ringing of church bells across the country and a minute of silence. Swiss President Guy Parmelin spoke at a memorial ceremony in Martigny.
In Crans-Montana, a silent procession involving hundreds of people took place to honor the victims. A church service preceded a march to the incident site, where a temporary memorial was established with flowers, plush toys, and candles. International condolences were received, including a message from Pope Leo XIV.
Repatriation and International Probes
Repatriation efforts for foreign victims' bodies began, with the bodies of five Italian nationals being transported from Sion airport to Italy on Monday. Italy’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, stated that Italy would cooperate with Swiss authorities and closely monitor the investigation.
The Rome Prosecutor's Office initiated a separate probe into the incident, as confirmed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who stated that those responsible must be identified and prosecuted. The State Attorney General's Office has contacted the Swiss Attorney General to monitor the investigation, and autopsies have been ordered for five of the six Italian victims.
The Paris prosecutor's office also announced a probe to assist the Swiss investigation and facilitate communication for families of French victims, noting that nine French citizens were among the fatalities and 23 others were injured.