New Year's Eve Blaze at Le Constellation Bar: A Tragedy in Crans-Montana
A devastating New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, resulted in 40 to 41 fatalities and 115 to 116 injuries, sparking a wide-ranging criminal investigation. The bar's co-owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are facing charges, and the inquiry has since expanded to include several current and former local officials, including the mayor, amid revelations that the establishment had not undergone required safety inspections for five years. The incident has also led to diplomatic tensions between Switzerland and Italy, which lost several citizens in the blaze.
Incident Overview
The fire occurred in the early hours of January 1 at Le Constellation bar, located in the popular ski resort town of Crans-Montana. Authorities believe the fire originated when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited sound-insulating foam on the basement bar's ceiling.
Many of the victims were under 20 years old, with at least eight individuals under the age of 16.
The incident is considered one of the most severe disasters in modern Swiss history.
Investigation and Suspects
Swiss prosecutors swiftly launched a criminal investigation into the incident. Jacques Moretti, a French national and co-owner of Le Constellation bar, was detained in connection with the fire. His French wife, Jessica Moretti, also a co-owner, was questioned.
Both are under suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
Lawyers for Jacques and Jessica Moretti have stated that their clients are "devastated" by the tragedy and have pledged full cooperation with the investigation. The defense has denied that the Morettis were aware of any dangers at the venue. Jacques Moretti's legal representative stated that his client obtained the sound-insulating foam from a "major construction retailer" that did not disclose its flammability.
Safety Lapses and Municipal Inquiry
It was 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.
The criminal investigation has since expanded beyond the bar owners. Mayor Feraud and five other current and former local officials, including a former municipal councilor responsible for security and current or former public safety officers, are now under investigation. They face potential charges including negligent homicide.
Prosecutors confirmed that there are currently nine defendants in the case, who, if convicted, face a maximum penalty of four and a half years in prison. Mayor Feraud has been summoned for questioning.
Legal Proceedings and Bail
Jacques Moretti was initially detained for 48 hours before a judge ordered his provisional detention for 90 days, with prosecutors citing him as a potential flight risk. Subsequently, a court ordered his release on bail, set at 200,000 Swiss francs.
His bail conditions include reporting daily to a police station, a prohibition from leaving Swiss territory, and the deposit of all identity and residence documents. Jessica Moretti is currently under a travel ban, has surrendered her passport, and reports to police daily as an alternative to pre-trial detention. Prosecutors had initially requested a 400,000-franc bail for their release.
National and International Response
Switzerland observed a national day of mourning for the victims, which included a minute of silence and church bells ringing nationwide. Transportation services were briefly paused. Cantons including Valais, Geneva, and Vaud have since prohibited pyrotechnic devices in all indoor public venues. Authorities have announced an emergency payment of 10,000 francs for each victim and are establishing a fund for additional donations.
The incident drew significant international attention, particularly from Italy, as six Italian citizens were among the deceased and numerous others were injured.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Jacques Moretti's release on bail as an "outrage" and "an insult to their families," criticizing the decision given the alleged crime's gravity, perceived flight risk, and potential for evidence tampering.
Italy formally protested the decision and recalled its ambassador to Switzerland for consultations. Swiss Vice President Ignazio Cassis responded on social media, expressing understanding for the pain and reaffirming mutual support between the two nations. France also had citizens among the victims and initiated its own investigation.
Victim Impact and Support
Many of the injured sustained severe burns, with approximately 80 individuals remaining hospitalized in Switzerland and other European countries. Families of the victims have demanded accountability, and a lawyer representing some families launched an online platform to gather testimonies related to the disaster to assist the official investigation. The incident has also impacted the tourism sector in Crans-Montana.