Swiss ski-resort bar fire: 40 dead, 116 injured as investigators probe safety lapses and manager charges
Investigators attribute Crans-Montana blaze to a long safety lapse, sparklers near the ceiling igniting foam; 40 dead, 116 injured, bar managers face homicide charges today.
Overview
Le Constellation fire in Crans-Montana killed 40 and injured 116; most victims were aged 14 to 39, including 15 under 18, with all victims identified.
Inspections had not occurred since 2019, despite ongoing safety concerns; authorities say years of neglect contributed to hazardous conditions at the venue.
Sparklers on champagne bottles near the ceiling allegedly ignited soundproofing foam in the basement, with candles nearby potentially worsening the fire's spread.
Bar managers Jacques and Jessica Moretti face criminal charges including homicide by negligence, bodily harm, and arson by negligence as the investigation continues.
Valais requires annual fire-safety inspections; municipalities handle formal inspections, while Crans-Montana reports prior checks with requested modifications but found no soundproofing issues.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources... The reporting is neutral, presenting facts, timelines, and authorities with minimal editorial spin. It cites the mayor's apologies and explanations, notes the five-year gap in inspections, mentions the plan to audit venues, and reports criminal investigations, without framing the story to favor any side.
Sources (43)
FAQ
Investigators believe sparklers or sparkling candles on champagne bottles ignited flammable soundproofing foam on the ceiling in the basement area.
The fire killed 40 people and injured 116 others, with most victims aged 14 to 39, including 15 under 18.
Bar managers Jacques and Jessica Moretti face homicide by negligence, bodily harm, and arson by negligence charges due to safety lapses.
No fire-safety inspections occurred since 2019 despite concerns; focus on flammable materials, indoor pyrotechnics, occupancy limits, and escape routes.
The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026, at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a ski resort in Valais canton, Switzerland.
History
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