Crans-Montana Bar Fire: Owners Face Investigation Amid Safety Concerns and Diplomatic Fallout

A New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, resulted in widespread casualties and an ongoing investigation into the establishment's co-owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti. Reports indicated between 40 and 41 fatalities and 116 injuries, many among young patrons. The incident has brought scrutiny to local safety regulations and prompted international diplomatic reactions, particularly from Italy, regarding the handling of legal proceedings.

Overview of the Incident

The fire occurred on New Year's Eve at Le Constellation bar, located in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana. The blaze led to reports of 40 to 41 fatalities and 116 injuries, with many victims under 20 years old, including eight individuals under the age of 16. Among the deceased and injured were citizens from France and Italy; six Italian citizens were confirmed among the fatalities, and ten were injured.

Investigators suspect the fire originated when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited sound-insulating foam on the basement bar's ceiling during celebrations. Many injured individuals sustained severe burns, with 80 reportedly remaining hospitalized in Switzerland and other European countries.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Jacques Moretti, a French national and co-owner of Le Constellation bar, was detained following the incident. His French wife, Jessica Moretti, also a co-owner, was questioned. Both are under criminal investigation by Swiss prosecutors on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.

Jacques Moretti was initially detained for 48 hours, with Swiss prosecutors citing a potential flight risk. His detention was later extended to 90 days, having been in custody since January 9. Jessica Moretti was placed under house arrest, subject to a travel ban, required to surrender her passport, and report to police daily.

Later, a Swiss judge ordered Jacques Moretti's release on bail. This decision followed a request from prosecutors for 400,000 Swiss francs bail, but a court ultimately set the bail at 200,000 Swiss francs (€215,628 or approximately $256,377), which was paid by a close friend. Conditions for his release included reporting daily to a police station, prohibition from leaving Swiss territory, and depositing all identity and residence documents with the Public Ministry. The Valais Public Prosecutor's Office had requested an electronic bracelet, but judges applied alternative measures.

The Morettis have expressed devastation over the tragedy and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. Jessica Moretti issued a public apology, describing the event as an "unimaginable tragedy."

Lawyers representing the Morettis stated that their clients were unaware of any dangers at the venue and sought to "restore the truth" amidst media reports. They refuted claims that Jessica Moretti left the burning building with cash, asserting she remained to assist the injured. Jacques Moretti's lawyer acknowledged his client felt a sense of responsibility as an establishment operator but differentiated this from criminal responsibility. Regarding the sound-insulating foam, his lawyer stated Jacques Moretti obtained the material from a "major construction retailer" that did not disclose its flammability, and that his intention was to install acoustic foam.

Safety Lapses and Municipal Response

The investigation 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 lapse, expressing regret and accepting responsibility for the oversight. He also announced a ban on sparklers in local venues.

Romain Jordan, a lawyer representing some victim families, suggested that the numerous inspection shortcomings warranted an investigation into the municipality. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also raised questions regarding the handling of the emergency, including why music reportedly continued after the fire started, why occupants were not evacuated, and whether council checks were sufficient.

National and International Reactions

Switzerland observed a national day of mourning for the victims, including a minute of silence and five minutes of church bells ringing nationwide. Transportation services, including trains, trams, and Zurich airport operations, were briefly paused. A local commemoration in Crans-Montana included a standing ovation for firefighters.

Following the incident, the canton of Valais, along with Geneva and Vaud, prohibited pyrotechnic devices in all indoor public venues. Authorities announced that each victim would receive a 10,000 franc ($12,500; £9,200) emergency payment, and a fund is being established to collect additional donations.

Italy formally protested the release of Jacques Moretti on bail. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the decision as an "outrage to the memory of the victims and an insult to their families," citing the "extreme gravity of the crime," perceived flight risk, and potential for evidence tampering. Italy subsequently recalled its ambassador to Switzerland for consultations regarding potential actions and formally requested an account of the decision from Swiss authorities. Swiss Vice President Ignazio Cassis responded by expressing understanding for the pain and reaffirming mutual support between Switzerland and Italy.

Legal Proceedings and Victim Engagement

The Moretti couple appeared in court, where they were confronted by family members of the victims. Lawyers representing victims' families have expressed concern about potential evidence disappearance following Jacques Moretti's bail release. An online platform was launched by a lawyer representing victims' families to gather testimonies related to the disaster, aiming to assist the official investigation. Lawyers representing Cyane Panine, a staff member who died in the blaze, stated she received no safety training and was unaware of the danger posed by the ceiling material. Both France and Italy have initiated their own investigations into the incident.