ZURICH — A tragic alpine bar fire that shocked Switzerland last month has claimed another life, with an 18-year-old Swiss national succumbing to injuries at a Zurich hospital this past Saturday. This development elevates the total death toll to 41, marking one of the nation’s deadliest peacetime disasters in recent history.
The Valais public prosecutor’s office confirmed the death in a brief statement on Sunday, indicating it would refrain from releasing further details to preserve the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation. The blaze erupted in the early hours of New Year’s Day at the densely packed Le Constellation bar, located in the prestigious Crans-Montana ski resort.
Official investigative reports point to sparkling candles placed on Champagne bottles as the probable ignition source. It is believed these flames made contact with the ceiling’s soundproofing material, triggering a rapid and devastating fire. A critical line of inquiry for authorities is determining whether this construction material met existing safety regulations and if the use of such candles was legally permitted within the establishment. Notably, public records indicate that the last formal fire safety inspection of the venue was conducted in 2019.
In response to the catastrophe, Swiss prosecutors have initiated criminal proceedings against the bar’s owners, French nationals Jacques and Jessica Moretti. They face severe charges, including negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence. Jacques Moretti was initially ordered into pretrial detention on January 12th; however, he was subsequently released on bail just eleven days later, on January 23rd, by order of the regional court.
The resort of Crans-Montana, famed for its high-altitude ski runs reaching nearly 3,000 meters and its status as a hub for international winter sports competitions, is now grappling with the profound aftermath of this tragedy, which has cast a shadow over its global reputation.