Crans-Montana Bar Fire Death Toll Rises to 41 Amid Ongoing Investigation

A fire that occurred at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day has resulted in 41 fatalities and 115 injuries. The incident is currently under criminal investigation, with authorities examining the fire's origin, adherence to safety regulations, and the roles of several individuals.

Incident Overview

On January 1, a fire broke out at Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort during New Year's celebrations. The initial death toll of 40 fatalities has since risen to 41.

Casualties

The confirmed death toll stands at 41, following the death of an 18-year-old Swiss national in a Zurich hospital on January 31.

Victims' ages ranged from 14 to 39 years, with 26 identified as teenagers, including two who were 14 years old. All 40 initial victims were identified by January 7. The identification process was challenging due to severe burns sustained by many victims, necessitating forensic methods such as DNA samples and dental records.

The nationalities of the 41 deceased include:

• 23 Swiss nationals
• 8 French citizens (including dual nationals)
• 6 Italian citizens
• 1 Belgian national
• 1 Portuguese national
• 1 Romanian national
• 1 Turkish national
• Additionally, a 15-year-old with French, Israeli, and British nationality was among the fatalities.

The bodies of five of the six deceased Italian nationals were repatriated on January 8 from Sion airport.

Injuries and Medical Response

The incident resulted in 115 injuries. The initial reported figure of 119 injured was later revised to 116, and subsequently to 115. Among the injured, 83 individuals remained hospitalized in the immediate aftermath.

Nationalities of the injured included:

• 68 Swiss citizens
• 21 French nationals
• 10 Italian nationals
• 4 Serbian nationals
• 2 Polish nationals
• 1 national each from Australia, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the Republic of Congo.
• Dual nationals identified included individuals from France/Finland, France/Italy, Switzerland/Belgium, and Italy/Philippines.

Many patients sustained severe injuries and were transferred to specialized burns units across Europe, including Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy, to support overwhelmed Swiss medical facilities. As of a recent update, 44 patients were being treated abroad (18 in France, 12 in Italy, 8 in Germany, and 6 in Belgium), while 37 remained in Swiss hospitals.

Origin of the Fire

The fire is suspected to have originated from sparkling candles, also referred to as "fountain candles" or "Bengal fountains," which were reportedly placed too close to the ceiling in the bar's basement level.

Preliminary findings suggest these candles may have ignited sound-dampening foam or material on the ceiling.

Initial witness accounts indicated that the fire spread rapidly, generating significant smoke and heat.

Criminal Investigation

Swiss authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the incident. Beatrice Pilloud, the Wallis canton’s public prosecutor, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

Four individuals are currently under criminal investigation in connection with the incident:

• The bar's co-owners
• The head of public safety for the Crans-Montana municipality
• A former Crans-Montana fire safety officer

The bar's co-owners, identified as French nationals Jacques and Jessica Moretti, were initially under suspicion for offenses including homicide by negligence, involuntary bodily harm, and involuntarily causing a fire. Prosecutors 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 the 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.
• Why fire safety inspections had not been conducted at the bar since 2019.
• Age verification processes at the bar.

Jacques Moretti stated that Le Constellation had undergone three inspections over a decade, with operations adhering to regulations. Local Crans-Montana officials reported no prior concerns or documented defects.

The municipality of Crans-Montana has provided investigators with all relevant documents and joined the criminal proceedings as a civil party, aiming to facilitate the full establishment of facts.

International involvement in the investigation includes:

• The Rome Prosecutor's Office initiated a separate probe, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirming the aim to identify and prosecute those responsible. The Italian State Attorney General’s Office is monitoring the investigation, and autopsies have been ordered for five of the six Italian victims.
• The Paris prosecutor's office announced a probe to assist the Swiss investigation and facilitate communication for families of French victims.

Public Response and Commemoration

A silent procession involving hundreds of people took place in Crans-Montana to honor the victims. A service at Chapelle St-Christophe preceded a march to the incident site, where a temporary memorial featuring flowers, plush toys, and candles was established.

Switzerland observed a national day of mourning on January 10. This commemoration included the ringing of church bells across the country and a minute of silence at 2 PM. Swiss President Guy Parmelin spoke at a memorial ceremony in Martigny.

International condolences were received, including a message from the Pope. French President Emmanuel Macron was expected to attend a memorial ceremony.