Swiss prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into the owners of the Le Constellation bar following a fire that claimed the lives of 40 people in the early hours of January 1, 2024. Authorities allege that the bar’s owners, a French couple, may have committed negligent homicide and bodily harm, alongside accusations of causing a fire through negligence.
The tragedy unfolded around 1:30 AM on New Year’s Day in Crans-Montana, where the bar was hosting a crowded celebration. Eyewitness accounts and photographs have raised serious concerns about the circumstances leading to the rapid spread of flames, particularly through soundproofing materials attached to the ceiling. Reports indicate that bar staff were seen igniting small fireworks, which may have contributed to the disaster, as some patrons attempted to extinguish the flames.
Local police confirmed that 119 individuals suffered injuries, with many in critical condition due to severe burns. Families are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones, as the extent of some injuries makes identification challenging. Officials reported that among the deceased are four young Swiss citizens, including two women aged 21 and 16, and two men aged 18 and 16.
Investigation into Safety Regulations
The bar owners, Jacques Moretti, 49, and his partner, have insisted that they complied with all relevant laws in operating the establishment since acquiring it in 2015. In an interview with La Tribune de Genève, Moretti stated, “Everything was done according to the regulations.” Despite these claims, scrutiny is intensifying regarding the safety measures in place at the venue.
The local authorities are examining whether the sound-dampening materials used in the bar adhered to safety regulations and if the use of candles was permissible. Investigators will also review other critical safety features such as fire extinguishers and emergency escape routes. Stéphane Ganzer, the region’s top security official, remarked that the scale of the incident suggests a failure in safety protocols, stating, “Something didn’t work and someone made a mistake, I am sure of that.”
The investigation’s findings could lead to further prosecutions if any criminal liability is established. The Valais region’s top prosecutor has emphasized the seriousness of the situation, indicating that accountability will be pursued if negligence is confirmed.
Community Mourning and International Response
In the aftermath of the tragedy, mourners have gathered outside the bar to pay their respects, leaving flowers and messages of condolence. The emotional toll is particularly heavy for families of the victims, with many still searching for information about missing loved ones.
The Australian government has confirmed that one Australian citizen was injured in the incident, although details regarding the individual’s identity and condition have not been disclosed. The government has assured that the affected individual is receiving medical care and their family is being provided with consular support.
Swiss police report that the injured include over 70 Swiss nationals, alongside individuals from France, Italy, Serbia, Bosnia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland. Many of those affected were in their teens to mid-20s.
As the investigation unfolds, local officials, including Nicolas Féraud, head of the Crans-Montana municipality, have expressed confidence in the regulatory checks performed at the bar, while acknowledging the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
