Europe04 January, 20262 min read
Swiss Prosecutors Probe Bar Owners for Negligent Manslaughter After Crans‑Montana Fire Kills 40
New Year's Eve bar fire at Le Constellation in Crans‑Montana killed 40, injured 119. Sparklers on champagne bottles likely ignited sound‑absorbing ceiling, triggering a flashover and rapid fire spread.
65 outlets told this the same way.
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Crans-Montana fire probe
Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the managers of Le Constellation after a devastating New Year’s Eve blaze in the Crans-Montana ski resort that killed about 40 people and injured roughly 119, many of them critically. Authorities in the Valais canton say the bar’s French operators are being probed on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson as investigators seek to determine whether safety failures contributed to the rapid, deadly blaze. Officials stressed that inquiries are ongoing as families await formal identifications and legal decisions.
“Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the French managers of Le Constellation, the Crans‑Montana bar where a New Year’s Eve fire killed 40 people and injured 119.”
Basement fire investigation
Investigators' leading technical hypothesis reported across outlets is that fountain-style sparklers or similar bottle-mounted candles used during celebrations sent sparks up to an acoustic, foam-clad low wooden ceiling. Those sparks ignited insulation and triggered an almost instantaneous flashover that swept the crowded basement.
Video and witness accounts showing flames racing across the ceiling and a collapsing wooden roof have been widely cited as evidence for the rapid spread. Authorities are examining whether the ceiling material, fire-suppression equipment, and the number and accessibility of exits contributed to the catastrophe.
Casualties and identification efforts
Most outlets report about 40 dead and roughly 115–119 injured. Sources differ on how many victims have been formally identified and returned to families as investigators work with dental records and DNA. Media report many of the dead were teenagers and people in their early 20s.
“Severe burns have complicated recovery and identification of bodies, so forensic teams working with the Institute of Forensic Medicine have asked families for DNA, and have so far identified four victims and returned remains to relatives.”
Severe burns and the destruction of personal documents have complicated identification. Forensic teams have asked families for DNA, and specialists are using dental records and tattoos where possible.
Media and legal reactions
Media and legal responses to the case vary across coverage. Prosecutors in Valais have questioned the two French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti. Authorities said inspections and renovations will be scrutinised as they determine potential criminal liability.
Several outlets reiterate the presumption of innocence while reporting possible charges. Tabloid and local reporting often highlights photographs, owner statements and emotional scenes at the sealed site. Public broadcasters and national papers emphasise the formal investigative steps and note that decisions about charges will depend on the ongoing probe.
Nightclub fire aftermath
The wider aftermath has drawn cross-border medical aid, public mourning and early questions about bottle-service pyrotechnics and building materials. Dozens of critically burned patients have been or are being transferred to specialist burn units in Switzerland and across Europe.
“The blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight, killed about 40 people and injured roughly 115, many of them teenagers and people in their mid‑20s.”
Governments and clubs have offered support, and memorials and vigils are being held. National leaders described the event as one of the country's worst recent tragedies, prompting calls for scrutiny of safety rules in night-time venues.
