Swiss authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the managers of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana following a fire on New Year's Eve that resulted in 40 fatalities and 119 injuries. Prosecutors in the canton of Valais are investigating the incident, which early indications suggest may have been caused by sparklers near the ceiling.
Incident Overview
The fire occurred at Le Constellation, a bar located in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, on New Year's Eve. Initial reports indicate 40 people died and 119 sustained injuries in the blaze. Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans stated that temperatures during the fire likely reached between 500 and 600 degrees Celsius (900-1,100 Fahrenheit). Le Constellation was known as a popular venue among a younger demographic in the resort town, where the legal drinking age is 16.
Casualties and Identification Efforts
Among the 40 fatalities, police have identified four individuals: two Swiss women, aged 21 and 16, and two Swiss men, aged 18 and 16. An Italian 16-year-old was also among the first confirmed fatalities. Their remains have been released to their respective families.
Of the 119 injured, 113 have been identified. These include 71 Swiss, 14 French, and 11 Italian citizens. Survivors were transported to hospitals in Switzerland and neighboring countries for treatment. The process of identifying additional victims is ongoing and is reportedly complicated by the severity of burn injuries. Italian Ambassador to Switzerland Gian Lorenzo Cornado projected the identification process to be completed by Sunday afternoon.
A conference center has been established in Crans-Montana to support affected families, with involvement from the Italian Civil Protection team and Italy's Ambassador to Switzerland. A helpline, +41 848 112 117, has been activated for concerned family members.
Criminal Investigation Launched
Public prosecutors in the canton of Valais opened a criminal investigation two days after the fire, on a Saturday, targeting the two managers of Le Constellation bar. The managers, who have not been publicly identified by authorities but are reportedly a French man and woman, are under suspicion for alleged offenses including homicide by negligence, causing bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
Chief Prosecutor of Valais, Beatrice Pilloud, stated that a preliminary investigation suggests the fire likely originated from sparklers on champagne bottles positioned too close to the ceiling, which reportedly led to a rapid and widespread blaze.
Police have questioned the two managers, along with other individuals, as part of their information-gathering efforts concerning the New Year's event and any prior renovations or work conducted at the bar. The scope of the investigation will also include an examination of factors such as bar occupancy limits, the accessibility of emergency exits, and the types of materials utilized during renovations, according to Chief Prosecutor Pilloud.
One of the managers reportedly informed the Tribune de Geneve newspaper that the bar had undergone inspections "three times in 10 years" and that "everything was done within the standards." The woman manager reportedly sustained burns to her arm. The couple is reported to operate two other businesses, one in Crans-Montana and another in Lens.
Official Statements and Public Response
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as "one of the worst tragedies" experienced by the country. Justice Minister Beat Jans emphasized that current priorities include providing medical care and identifying the deceased. Public memorials, including flowers and messages, have been placed outside police barriers surrounding the bar.