Crans-Montana Bar Fire: Investigation Continues as Owners Reopen Business
Crans-Montana, Switzerland – An investigation is ongoing into a devastating New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar that claimed the lives of 41 people and injured 115 others. The tragedy, which occurred on January 1, 2026, has prompted scrutiny of safety regulations and the actions of the bar’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti. Despite the ongoing criminal investigation, the Morettis have recently reopened another establishment, raising questions about the timing and sensitivity of the move. The incident has sparked a national conversation about fire safety and accountability in Swiss nightlife venues.
The fire, which broke out at approximately 01:26 CET, quickly engulfed the basement of Le Constellation, a popular bar in the ski resort town. Initial reports suggest the blaze may have been ignited by sparklers attached to champagne bottles being held aloft during New Year’s celebrations, setting alight to sound-insulating foam on the ceiling. The scale of the disaster quickly overwhelmed local emergency services, requiring the transfer of victims to hospitals across Switzerland and even to neighboring European countries. A national day of mourning was observed on January 9, 2026, to honor the victims.
Investigation Focuses on Safety Protocols and Potential Negligence
Swiss authorities are investigating whether negligence played a role in the fire. A key area of focus is the lack of recent fire safety inspections at Le Constellation. The municipality of Crans-Montana has admitted that no inspections had been carried out at the bar since 2019, despite annual inspections being legally mandated. This admission has intensified scrutiny of the local government’s oversight responsibilities. The investigation is also examining the bar’s layout and whether it met safety standards for capacity and emergency exits.
Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the co-owners of Le Constellation, are currently under criminal investigation, suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Jacques Moretti was initially detained for 48 hours and subsequently held in custody for 90 days, with the court citing concerns he might be a flight risk. His wife, Jessica Moretti, is currently under house arrest. She has publicly expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, stating she is cooperating fully with the investigation.
French Court Rejects Asset Seizure Request
Switzerland requested France to seize assets belonging to the Morettis, including real estate in Cannes and Corsica, as well as bank accounts and a life insurance policy, in an attempt to secure potential financial liabilities related to the investigation. However, a French court has rejected this request, ruling that the assets were not directly or indirectly linked to any potential crime committed in Switzerland. This decision represents a setback for Swiss authorities seeking to ensure financial accountability in the case.
New Evidence and Allegations Surface
Recent reports suggest new evidence is emerging that could further implicate Jessica Moretti. Videos reportedly indicate her allegedly igniting what appear to be fire fountains inside the bar. While the authenticity and interpretation of these videos are still under investigation, they have added another layer of complexity to the case. The reports indicate that the alleged actions occurred prior to the New Year’s Eve fire.
reports indicate that the Morettis have reopened another establishment despite the ongoing investigation. This decision has drawn criticism from some quarters, who view it as insensitive given the gravity of the situation and the ongoing grief of the victims’ families. The reopening raises questions about the couple’s judgment and their commitment to addressing the concerns surrounding the fire.
Questions Remain Regarding Emergency Response
Alongside the investigation into the cause of the fire and the actions of the bar owners, questions have been raised regarding the response of emergency services. Some reports suggest potential delays in the arrival of firefighters and paramedics, and whether the initial response was adequate given the scale of the disaster. These concerns are being examined as part of the broader investigation into the events of New Year’s Eve. The investigation will assess whether the emergency response protocols were followed correctly and whether any improvements are needed to ensure a more effective response to future incidents.
The Le Constellation bar, prior to the fire, was known for its capacity to accommodate 300 people across two levels and a terrace. It was a popular venue, particularly among younger patrons, and did not charge an entrance fee. The bar also featured a shisha and smoking area in the basement, as well as TV screens for sports events. Reports suggest that some patrons had previously complained about the bar’s service and professionalism on online rating platforms.
Looking Ahead
The investigation into the Crans-Montana bar fire is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks and months. The Swiss authorities are committed to uncovering the truth about what happened and holding those responsible accountable. The case is likely to have a lasting impact on fire safety regulations and emergency response protocols in Switzerland. The next scheduled action in the case is a hearing to determine whether Jacques Moretti will remain in custody, currently scheduled for mid-April 2026.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for rigorous enforcement of safety regulations. The victims and their families deserve justice, and the Swiss authorities must ensure that such a devastating event never happens again.
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