Swiss prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation against the managers of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana following a catastrophic New Year’s Eve fire that claimed 40 lives and left 119 injured. Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the French couple who owned and operated the popular alpine establishment, now face charges of negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson.
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of January 1st when celebratory sparklers attached to champagne bottles allegedly ignited highly flammable soundproofing foam on the basement ceiling. Security footage circulating on social media shows the rapid propagation of flames across the low wooden ceiling as unsuspecting revelers continued dancing before panic ensued.
Wallis Chief Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud confirmed that safety compliance constitutes a central focus of the investigation. While the bar owners maintain that all safety regulations were properly followed, preliminary findings suggest the foam’s extreme flammability potentially caused a flashover—a near-instantaneous combustion of all materials within the enclosed space.
The human toll continues to emerge with police identifying eight Swiss nationals among the deceased, all under age 24 including two sixteen-year-olds. Italian authorities have confirmed three citizens perished in the blaze, reflecting the resort’s international clientele. Six injured individuals remain unidentified as forensic teams work to establish complete victim identification.
Switzerland has declared January 9th a national day of mourning, with church bells scheduled to ring across the nation followed by a moment of silence. Psychological support teams from multiple countries have mobilized to assist survivors and grieving families, while makeshift memorials overflow with floral tributes and messages of solidarity near the charred remains of the establishment.