SWITZERLAND authorities in Crans-Montana have opened a criminal investigation into the owners of a ski resort bar where 40 people died and more than 100 were injured during a New Year’s Eve celebration that turned deadly.
AFP reported on Sunday that French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who managed Le Constellation bar, are being investigated for negligent manslaughter, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence, officials said Saturday.
The blaze erupted around 1:30 a.m. local time on Thursday in a crowded basement packed with young partygoers, leaving 119 people injured, many seriously.
Authorities said the fire likely started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited foam on the low wooden ceiling, which was treated with soundproofing material.
“The leading hypothesis is that sparklers or Bengal candles attached to champagne bottles and lifted too close to the ceiling” triggered the blaze, Wallis chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud told reporters.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as flames spread rapidly.
“People were trying to break windows to escape, while others, covered in burns, poured into the street,” authorities reported. Video footage circulated online showing the foam catching fire almost instantly, causing a flashover effect in the confined space.
Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans visited the scene and described the devastating damage. “You can smell it... You can see the damage that was caused by these flames, they must have been incredibly intensive. 500, 600 degrees even on the top floor,” he said.
The victims include eight Swiss nationals—all under 24, two aged just 16—and at least three Italians, according to the Italian ambassador. Dozens of injured individuals were evacuated to hospitals in neighbouring countries, while six of the wounded remain unidentified.
Crans-Montana, a popular destination for French, Italian, and other international tourists, has been deeply affected by the tragedy.
Jacques Moretti has insisted to Swiss media that all safety norms were followed, noting the bar had a maximum capacity of 300 patrons plus 40 on its terrace. Despite this, authorities are scrutinising whether safety regulations were fully respected.
Communities have been left in shock. Memorial services have begun, with hundreds attending a packed mass at Montana Station church, while a silent walk toward Le Constellation is planned.
Switzerland declared a national day of mourning on January 9, with church bells set to ring nationwide at 2 p.m. local time.
“I don’t usually go to church, but right now ... it’s important to come and help, show solidarity; be human,” said 68-year-old local Patricia, describing a sense of being “paralysed” by the tragedy. Psychologists on site reported a mixture of anger, fear, and grief among survivors and relatives still awaiting news of loved ones.
Social media groups have mobilised to offer accommodation and assistance to victims’ families and support medical and rescue teams deployed from multiple countries.
As the investigation into the blaze continues, questions over fire safety and regulatory compliance remain at the forefront, with the nation grappling with the scale of loss at one of the deadliest nightclub fires in recent Swiss history. - January 4, 2025
