Swiss Bar Fire Death Toll Rises to 41 as Investigations Continue
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- An 18-year-old Swiss national succumbed to injuries from the Crans-Montana bar fire, raising the death toll to 41.
- The fire at Le Constellation bar injured 116 people, with 44 patients receiving treatment abroad in France, Italy, Germany, and Belgium.
- Investigations suggest the fire was caused by sparklers igniting soundproof foam; safety checks had not been conducted for five years.
- Bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti face charges of manslaughter by negligence, with Jacques in custody and Jessica under travel restrictions.
- The victims were primarily young, with ages ranging from 14 to 39, including nationals from Switzerland, France, Italy, and other countries.
A tragic fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has claimed its 41st victim, following the death of an 18-year-old Swiss national on January 31. The fire, which erupted during New Year's Eve celebrations, has left a devastating impact on the community and raised serious questions about fire safety regulations.
Incident Overview
The blaze broke out in the early hours of January 1, 2026, at a popular venue known for attracting a youthful crowd. Initial investigations by Swiss authorities indicate that the fire began when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproof foam on the ceiling of the bar's basement. The incident resulted in 116 injuries, with many victims still receiving medical treatment. As of the latest reports, 44 patients are being treated in hospitals across France, Italy, Germany, and Belgium, while 37 remain in Swiss hospitals.
Legal Proceedings and Safety Concerns
The owners of the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are facing serious legal charges, including manslaughter by negligence and arson by negligence. Jacques Moretti is currently in custody, while Jessica has been subjected to a travel ban and must report to the police daily. The case has also implicated the Crans-Montana municipality's head of public safety and a former fire safety inspector, highlighting systemic failures in safety oversight. Authorities have acknowledged that the bar had not undergone safety checks for five years, raising concerns about regulatory lapses.
Victims and International Response
The victims of the tragedy were predominantly young, with ages ranging from 14 to 39. Among the deceased were 23 Swiss nationals and 18 foreigners, including individuals from France, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey. The international dimension of the incident is underscored by the fact that many of the injured are receiving specialized care in hospitals across Europe. The Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection has been coordinating the medical response, ensuring that patients receive the necessary treatment.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the investigation into the Crans-Montana fire continues, legal proceedings against those implicated are expected to unfold over the coming months. The case could prompt a reevaluation of fire safety regulations and enforcement in Switzerland, potentially leading to stricter oversight and more rigorous safety checks for public venues. Additionally, the international aspect of the tragedy, with victims from multiple countries, may influence cross-border cooperation in emergency medical responses. The outcome of this case could serve as a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and accountability.
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Swiss Bar Fire Death Toll Rises to 41 as Investigations Continue
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- An 18-year-old Swiss national succumbed to injuries from the Crans-Montana bar fire, raising the death toll to 41.
- The fire at Le Constellation bar injured 116 people, with 44 patients receiving treatment abroad in France, Italy, Germany, and Belgium.
- Investigations suggest the fire was caused by sparklers igniting soundproof foam; safety checks had not been conducted for five years.
- Bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti face charges of manslaughter by negligence, with Jacques in custody and Jessica under travel restrictions.
- The victims were primarily young, with ages ranging from 14 to 39, including nationals from Switzerland, France, Italy, and other countries.
A tragic fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has claimed its 41st victim, following the death of an 18-year-old Swiss national on January 31. The fire, which erupted during New Year's Eve celebrations, has left a devastating impact on the community and raised serious questions about fire safety regulations.
Incident Overview
The blaze broke out in the early hours of January 1, 2026, at a popular venue known for attracting a youthful crowd. Initial investigations by Swiss authorities indicate that the fire began when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproof foam on the ceiling of the bar's basement. The incident resulted in 116 injuries, with many victims still receiving medical treatment. As of the latest reports, 44 patients are being treated in hospitals across France, Italy, Germany, and Belgium, while 37 remain in Swiss hospitals.
Legal Proceedings and Safety Concerns
The owners of the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are facing serious legal charges, including manslaughter by negligence and arson by negligence. Jacques Moretti is currently in custody, while Jessica has been subjected to a travel ban and must report to the police daily. The case has also implicated the Crans-Montana municipality's head of public safety and a former fire safety inspector, highlighting systemic failures in safety oversight. Authorities have acknowledged that the bar had not undergone safety checks for five years, raising concerns about regulatory lapses.
Victims and International Response
The victims of the tragedy were predominantly young, with ages ranging from 14 to 39. Among the deceased were 23 Swiss nationals and 18 foreigners, including individuals from France, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey. The international dimension of the incident is underscored by the fact that many of the injured are receiving specialized care in hospitals across Europe. The Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection has been coordinating the medical response, ensuring that patients receive the necessary treatment.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the investigation into the Crans-Montana fire continues, legal proceedings against those implicated are expected to unfold over the coming months. The case could prompt a reevaluation of fire safety regulations and enforcement in Switzerland, potentially leading to stricter oversight and more rigorous safety checks for public venues. Additionally, the international aspect of the tragedy, with victims from multiple countries, may influence cross-border cooperation in emergency medical responses. The outcome of this case could serve as a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and accountability.
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