The investigation into the tragic bar fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, that claimed the lives of 40 individuals, including many teenagers, is intensifying as authorities confirm the identification of all victims. The fire occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2024, at the popular local venue, Le Constellation. The blaze reportedly spread rapidly, with initial findings suggesting that sparkling candles ignited the ceiling of the bar’s basement.
Mourning the loss, the community of Crans-Montana came together on Sunday, receiving condolences from global leaders, including Pope Leo and Chinese President Xi Jinping. As the investigation progresses, local prosecutors are looking into the actions of the bar’s operators, Jacques Moretti and another individual, under suspicions of homicide by negligence.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, authorities indicated that there were no grounds for immediate arrest, as they do not perceive a risk of flight. This decision has raised eyebrows, particularly in the wake of growing public outrage. The Swiss newspaper Blick highlighted this sentiment, questioning, “Why are the couple running the bar free?” alongside images of mourners gathering at the site adorned with flowers.
Among the deceased were young individuals as young as 14 years old, with victims hailing from various parts of Europe, including France and Italy. According to Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, there was a significant failure in ensuring the safety of the bar’s basement. In a social media post, he stated that “in civilized Switzerland, the prison gates will have to open for quite a few people,” emphasizing the need for accountability.
Local residents have expressed their demands for thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies. Aika Chappaz, a participant in a silent procession on Sunday, said, “It’s crucial that such a tragedy never happens again. And the investigation must be thorough, because it’s so unbelievable.”
The investigation has sparked discussions regarding various safety protocols, including age verification practices at the bar, the materials used for soundproofing in the basement, and the regulations governing the use of the decorative fountain candles. Moretti, one of the bar’s operators, defended their compliance with safety measures, asserting that Le Constellation had undergone inspections three times over the last decade, claiming adherence to all regulations.
Valais authorities are currently verifying whether the bar had completed its annual building inspections. They noted that the town had not raised any safety concerns or reported defects to the canton, which adds another layer of scrutiny to the ongoing investigation.
As the community continues to mourn, the push for answers and accountability remains steadfast, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the events leading to this devastating incident. The fire not only resulted in a significant loss of life but also raised critical questions about public safety in venues catering to young patrons.
