The death toll from the catastrophic New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has climbed to 41 following the tragic passing of an 18-year-old Swiss national. The victim succumbed to injuries at a Zurich hospital on January 31st, as confirmed by Wallis canton public prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud in an official statement.
The devastating blaze, which erupted in the popular nightspot frequented by young adults in the resort town where the legal drinking age is 16, also left 116 people injured. Many victims continue to receive intensive medical treatment for severe burns both within Switzerland and across European neighboring countries.
Current medical statistics reveal a widespread international response to the humanitarian crisis. Switzerland’s Federal Office for Civil Protection reported that as of Monday, 44 patients were undergoing treatment abroad—18 in France, 12 in Italy, 8 in Germany, and 6 in Belgium. Additionally, the Wallis health ministry confirmed 37 patients remain hospitalized within Swiss medical facilities.
Preliminary investigative findings indicate the fire originated when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited highly flammable soundproof foam lining the ceiling of the bar’s basement. Authorities have disclosed that the establishment had not undergone mandatory safety inspections for five years prior to the incident.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who face charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Criminal charges have also been brought against the municipality’s head of public safety and a former council fire safety inspector.
The Swiss judicial system has imposed stringent measures on both proprietors. Jessica Moretti remains under travel restrictions requiring daily police check-ins and passport surrender, while Jacques Moretti is being held in custody for an initial 90-day period. Jessica Moretti previously expressed profound remorse to reporters, describing the incident as an ‘unthinkable tragedy.’