A fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year's Day, resulted in approximately 40 fatalities and between 115 and 119 injuries. The incident, which occurred during a New Year's Eve gathering primarily attended by young people, has prompted a criminal investigation into the bar's owners and fire safety compliance.
Incident Details
The fire began at Le Constellation, a basement bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, around 1:30 AM local time on January 1. The venue was reportedly a popular and affordable gathering spot for younger individuals, with many attendees aged between 15 and 20 years old. A large crowd, primarily comprising young patrons from Switzerland and other European countries, was present for New Year's celebrations.
Preliminary findings from Swiss prosecutors suggest the fire originated from sparklers placed in champagne bottles, which were reportedly positioned close to the bar's wooden ceiling. Witnesses described the ceiling igniting rapidly, with the blaze intensifying into what officials termed an "embrasement généralisé," indicating a fire capable of releasing combustible gases and leading to phenomena such as a flashover or backdraft. The fire was observed to engulf the ceiling within seconds.
Casualties and Identification Efforts
Approximately 40 individuals died in the fire, and between 115 and 119 sustained injuries. Many of the injured are in serious condition, with some suffering third-degree burns and others placed into induced comas. The injured, reportedly ranging in age from 16 to 26, were transported to hospitals in the Valais canton, Zurich, and Lausanne, with some also expected to receive treatment in neighboring countries.
As of Friday evening following the incident, 113 of the injured had been formally identified. Identified nationalities among the injured include 71 Swiss, 14 French, 11 Italians, 4 Serbs, and one individual each from Bosnia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, and Portugal. An Australian national was also among the injured. The nationalities of 14 injured individuals remained unconfirmed.
The identification process for the deceased and remaining injured is expected to take several days due to the extent of burns sustained. Authorities are utilizing dental and DNA samples to ensure accuracy and have advised families of missing persons to provide details such as tattoos or jewelry to assist in identification efforts. Reported missing persons or identified victims include Achille Barosi (16), Chiara Costanzo (16), Emanuele Galeppini (17), Charlotte Niddam (15), Arthur Brodard (16), and Emilie Pralong (22). Families have been using social media to search for missing individuals, and dozens of victims remain unidentified.
Emergency Response and Escape Efforts
Emergency services were dispatched promptly, with police units arriving at the scene at 1:32 AM, two minutes after initial reports of smoke. First responders encountered a significant number of injured individuals, with bystanders also providing assistance. Witness accounts describe individuals exiting the nightclub with burns, and some reported hearing screams from the location until approximately 4:30 AM.
During the incident, patrons attempted to exit the venue through a door leading to a narrow staircase. Others broke windows to create additional escape routes, with a 16-year-old reportedly using a table to dislodge a plexiglass pane. Individuals from the street also assisted by breaking windows to help those trapped inside.
The emergency response involved numerous resources, including convoys of fire engines, police vehicles, approximately 40 ambulances, and about 10 helicopters. A local UBS bank branch was opened to provide warmth and shelter, serving as a triage point for victims. Mathias Reynard, head of the Valais regional government, acknowledged that initial actions by citizens contributed to saving lives.
Investigation and Legal Action
A criminal investigation has been opened by authorities in Valais canton into the incident. Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the French managers and owners of Le Constellation Bar, are suspected of offences including homicide by negligence, causing bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The bar has been cordoned off and designated as a crime scene.
Valais canton's attorney general, Beatrice Pilloud, stated that preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from sparklers placed in champagne bottles near the ceiling. The investigation is analyzing video evidence, conducting witness interviews, and compiling reports. Authorities are also examining the acoustic foam cladding on the bar's ceiling to determine its compliance with safety regulations and its potential contribution to the fire's rapid spread.
Mr. Moretti had previously stated to Swiss media that no safety regulations were violated and denied reports of a single exit from the basement bar. He also indicated that the establishment underwent three safety inspections following its renovation and the couple's acquisition in 2015. While authorities had previously reported no irregularities, the focus has shifted to the foam material. Attorney General Pilloud has ruled out arson or terrorism as probable causes, stating there was no indication of an attack. No arrests were reported initially, but charges have since been brought against the owners.
Community Impact
The incident has deeply affected the community of Crans-Montana. Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the event as one of the country's most significant tragedies and announced that Swiss flags would fly at half-mast for five days, acknowledging a planned moment of joy that transformed into a national day of mourning. President Parmelin visited the site where forensic teams were conducting their work.
In the aftermath, dozens of people have placed flowers at a memorial site near the bar, with locals gathering to light candles and offer mutual support. Families of missing persons have converged on the scene and local hospitals seeking information.