Swiss Prosecutors Investigate Bar Managers After Tragic Crans-Montana Fire

Published 3 January 2026

Highlights

• Swiss prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation against Jacques and Jessica Moretti, managers of Le Constellation bar, following a deadly fire.
  • The fire, suspected to have been caused by sparklers igniting ceiling foam, resulted in 40 deaths and over 100 injuries.
  • Authorities are examining whether the bar's safety measures and materials complied with regulations.
  • The identification of victims, many of whom were teenagers, is ongoing due to severe burns.
  • The tragedy has deeply affected the Crans-Montana community, with memorials and support efforts underway.

3. Rewritten Article

   Headline: Swiss Prosecutors Investigate Bar Managers After Tragic Crans-Montana Fire

   Swiss prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation against Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the managers of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, following a devastating fire that claimed 40 lives and injured over 100 individuals. The blaze, which erupted during New Year’s celebrations, is believed to have been sparked by fountain sparklers igniting acoustic foam on the ceiling.

   Investigation and Charges

   The Morettis, a French couple, are under scrutiny for potential charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The Valais prosecutor's office is probing whether the bar's safety measures, including the use of soundproofing materials and sparklers, adhered to fire safety regulations. "The presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is handed down," emphasized the authorities.

   Community Impact and Response

   The fire has left a profound impact on the Crans-Montana community, a popular ski resort known for attracting young revelers. Mourners have gathered at makeshift memorials, leaving flowers and messages of condolence. "We will take your pain in our broken hearts," read one heartfelt note. Local residents have shown solidarity by donating blood and offering support to affected families.

   Ongoing Identification Efforts

   The process of identifying the deceased, many of whom were teenagers, continues to be painstaking due to the severity of the burns. Swiss and Italian officials are collaborating to complete the identification, with assistance from Italy's Ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado. The ambassador noted that the process is expected to conclude soon, providing closure to grieving families.

4. Scenario Analysis

   As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely remain on determining the extent of negligence and whether safety regulations were breached at Le Constellation bar. If found guilty, the Morettis could face significant legal repercussions. This tragedy may prompt stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in Switzerland, particularly in venues catering to large crowds. The Crans-Montana community, while grappling with loss, continues to demonstrate resilience and unity, offering a poignant reminder of the human capacity for compassion in the face of adversity.

Swiss prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation against Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the managers of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, following a devastating fire that claimed 40 lives and injured over 100 individuals. The blaze, which erupted during New Year’s celebrations, is believed to have been sparked by fountain sparklers igniting acoustic foam on the ceiling.

Investigation and Charges

The Morettis, a French couple, are under scrutiny for potential charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The Valais prosecutor's office is probing whether the bar's safety measures, including the use of soundproofing materials and sparklers, adhered to fire safety regulations. "The presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is handed down," emphasized the authorities.

Community Impact and Response

The fire has left a profound impact on the Crans-Montana community, a popular ski resort known for attracting young revelers. Mourners have gathered at makeshift memorials, leaving flowers and messages of condolence. "We will take your pain in our broken hearts," read one heartfelt note. Local residents have shown solidarity by donating blood and offering support to affected families.

Ongoing Identification Efforts

The process of identifying the deceased, many of whom were teenagers, continues to be painstaking due to the severity of the burns. Swiss and Italian officials are collaborating to complete the identification, with assistance from Italy's Ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado. The ambassador noted that the process is expected to conclude soon, providing closure to grieving families.

What this might mean

As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely remain on determining the extent of negligence and whether safety regulations were breached at Le Constellation bar. If found guilty, the Morettis could face significant legal repercussions. This tragedy may prompt stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in Switzerland, particularly in venues catering to large crowds. The Crans-Montana community, while grappling with loss, continues to demonstrate resilience and unity, offering a poignant reminder of the human capacity for compassion in the face of adversity.