A New Year's Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, resulted in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries. The bar's co-owners, Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica Moretti, both French nationals, have been detained or placed under restrictions in connection with the incident. Swiss authorities are investigating multiple charges, including manslaughter by negligence, and have cited a lapse in required safety inspections at the venue for five years.
The Incident and Casualties
The fire occurred on New Year's Eve at Le Constellation bar, located in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. The incident led to the deaths of 40 individuals and left 116 injured. A significant number of the victims were under 20 years old, with eight individuals confirmed to be under 16. Many of the injured sustained severe burns, with 80 individuals remaining hospitalized in Switzerland and other European countries. Citizens from France and Italy were among the victims.
Prosecutors believe the fire originated in the basement bar when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited sound-insulating foam on the ceiling.
Investigation and Detentions
Swiss prosecutors initiated a criminal investigation into the incident. Jacques Moretti, a co-owner of Le Constellation bar, was detained and considered a potential flight risk. A judge subsequently ordered his detention for 90 days, which can be renewed or lifted upon payment of bail. His wife and co-owner, Jessica Moretti, has been placed under house arrest, surrendered her passport, and reports to police daily.
Both Jacques and Jessica Moretti are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The couple has stated their devastation over the tragedy and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. Jessica Moretti issued a public apology following questioning, stating, "It is an unimaginable tragedy. It happened in our establishment, and I would like to apologize."
Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, characterized the incident as "no accident" and raised questions regarding the emergency response, including the continuation of music after the fire started, the evacuation process, and the sufficiency of local council safety checks. France and Italy have both initiated their own investigations.
Safety Lapses and Municipal Response
It was revealed that Le Constellation bar had not undergone required annual safety checks for five years prior to the fire. Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud acknowledged this oversight, expressed regret, and accepted responsibility for the lapse. He also announced a ban on sparklers in local venues. Romain Jordan, representing some victim families, indicated that the inspection shortcomings warranted an investigation into the municipality.
National and International Response
Switzerland observed a national day of mourning for the victims, which included a minute of silence, followed by five minutes of church bells ringing nationwide. Transportation services, including trains, trams, and operations at Zurich airport, were briefly paused. A local commemoration in Crans-Montana included a standing ovation for firefighters. A memorial service attended by relatives, survivors, and the presidents of France and Italy was held in Martigny.
Swiss authorities announced that each victim would receive an emergency payment of 10,000 Swiss francs ($12,500; £9,200), and a fund is being established to collect additional donations.
Following the incident, the canton of Valais, where Crans-Montana is located, prohibited pyrotechnic devices in all indoor public venues. The cantons of Geneva and Vaud have implemented similar bans on indoor pyrotechnics.
A lawyer representing victims' families launched an online platform to gather testimonies related to the disaster, aiming to assist the official investigation. Funerals for some of the deceased have commenced.