The tragic New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, remains a stark reminder of the critical importance of safety regulations and building maintenance. This devastating event, which occurred in 2015 and resulted in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries, continues to be investigated, with recent scrutiny focusing on alterations made to the building in the years leading up to the disaster. Understanding the sequence of events and the ongoing legal proceedings is crucial for anyone involved in hospitality, building management, or public safety.
Eric Dosdo, the former owner of Le Constellation from 2005 to 2015, has recently voiced concerns regarding renovations undertaken by Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the couple who took over the bar in 2015. Dosdo,now residing in La Verpillière,France,questions the rationale and legality of changes made,notably to the staircase leading to the basement. He stated, I don’t understand why they reduced the stairs to that extent, certainly to make them prettier, I don’t know. That’s really a question I’m asking myself
.According to reports, the staircase was considerably wider during his tenure.
Disturbingly, investigations revealed that 34 of the 40 individuals who perished in the fire were found obstructed at the base of this narrower staircase.This detail underscores the potential impact of design choices on emergency egress. According to the National fire Protection Association (NFPA), inadequate evacuation routes contribute to approximately 14% of all fire-related deaths annually, highlighting the critical need for compliant and accessible exits.
Initial findings point to sparks from “fountain” candles igniting acoustic foam installed on the basement ceiling as the ignition source. However, the investigation extends beyond the immediate cause, examining the type of foam used, the availability and accessibility of fire extinguishers, and the overall compliance of the bar’s emergency exits. The Moretti couple currently faces accusations of