A wave of grief washed over the Swiss Alps as authorities began the agonizing task of identifying the victims of a New Year’s Day inferno. Forty lives were extinguished, and 119 others were left wounded, many clinging to life, after a ferocious fire ripped through the Constellation bar near Crans-Montana.
Police swiftly launched a criminal investigation, focusing on the two managers of the bar. They are accused of negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and igniting the devastating blaze. The investigation centers on whether safety protocols were ignored and building conditions contributed to the tragedy.
The fire’s terrifying speed stemmed from sparklers ignited atop champagne bottles, their flames reaching the crowded venue’s ceiling. Acoustic foam, used for soundproofing, is now under intense scrutiny, as investigators explore whether it fueled the rapid spread of the flames.
Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud revealed the probe will meticulously examine building materials, operating permits, occupancy limits, and the adequacy of fire safety measures – including evacuation routes and access for emergency responders. Every detail is being dissected to understand how the situation escalated so quickly.
The immediate priority remains supporting the families descending upon Crans-Montana, their hearts shattered by loss. Identifying the victims is a painstaking process, and officials have vowed to release no further details out of respect for the grieving families.
Initial identifications confirmed the deaths of two Swiss women, ages 21 and 16, and two Swiss men, 18 and 16. Of the 119 injured, 113 have been formally identified, representing citizens from Switzerland, France, Italy, and Serbia.
Both French citizens who managed the Constellation have been interviewed by authorities. One owner, Jacques Moretti, claimed the bar had undergone inspections “three times in 10 years” and adhered to all standards, a claim now being challenged by local ordinances requiring annual checks.
Municipal authorities have handed over inspection records, which are now under review. Attorney General Pilloud emphasized that while suspicions exist, the presumption of innocence remains until proven otherwise. No avenue of inquiry will be overlooked.
Reports indicate that one of the owners, Jessica Moretti, was present during the fire and sustained burns to her arm. The couple purchased the bar in 2015 and also owns two other establishments in the area, adding another layer to the investigation.
The fire erupted around 1:30 a.m., quickly escalating into a “flashover” – a terrifying phenomenon where everything in a room ignites simultaneously, with temperatures soaring to 1,000 degrees in seconds. The packed bar, filled with New Year’s revelers, became a scene of unimaginable horror.
Videos circulating online show patrons holding lit sparklers near the ceiling moments before the blaze erupted. The exact number of people inside remains unclear, though the venue has a capacity of 300, with an additional 40 on the terrace.
Hospitals are overwhelmed with critically injured patients, many suffering from third-degree burns. A desperate plea for blood donations has been issued, and patients are being transferred to specialized burn units across Europe – France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Romania, and Luxembourg are all offering assistance.
Expressions of sorrow and solidarity are pouring in from across the continent. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani visited Crans-Montana to offer support to impacted Italian families. Flags across Switzerland and at its embassies worldwide are flying at half-staff in mourning.
The Swiss Confederation has launched an online book of condolences, providing a space for people to express their sympathy and share in the collective grief. It’s a small gesture in the face of immense loss, but a testament to the shared humanity in the wake of tragedy.
