Swiss prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into the owners of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana following a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 40 individuals on January 1, 2024. The blaze, which broke out shortly after 01:30, has prompted authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the actions of the bar’s owners, a French couple who are suspected of negligent homicide and causing bodily harm.
As details continue to emerge, photographs have surfaced showing bar staff igniting small fireworks while holding bottles of champagne aloft in a crowded area. Witness accounts indicate that many patrons struggled to escape the flames as they rapidly engulfed soundproofing materials attached to the ceiling. The fire injured a further 119 people, with many suffering critical injuries, including severe burns.
Investigation and Legal Repercussions
Authorities are scrutinizing whether the sound-dampening materials used in the bar adhered to safety regulations and whether the candles present were permitted. The investigation will also assess the adequacy of emergency measures, such as fire extinguishers and escape routes. Stéphane Ganzer, the top security official in the Valais region, stated that “something didn’t work,” suggesting possible failures in safety protocols.
In a statement to the La Tribune de Genève, Jacques Moretti, 49, co-owner of the bar, defended their practices, asserting that “everything was done according to the regulations.” Despite this claim, the investigation has raised significant concerns about overcrowding and fire safety measures at the venue, which was reportedly packed with young revelers celebrating the New Year.
Families of the victims are currently awaiting news of their loved ones, as authorities have indicated that the severity of some injuries may delay identification efforts. Local officials have confirmed that among the deceased are four young Swiss citizens, including two women aged 21 and 16, and two men aged 18 and 16.
International Impact and Response
The Australian government has confirmed that one Australian was among the injured in the fire, though details regarding the individual’s condition have not been disclosed. The government is providing medical care and consular assistance to the affected individual and their family.
The incident has resonated beyond Switzerland, with reports indicating that over 70 of the injured are Swiss nationals, alongside individuals from France, Italy, Serbia, Bosnia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland. Many of those affected were in their teens to mid-20s, highlighting the tragedy’s impact on a younger demographic.
As the investigation unfolds, local authorities, including Nicolas Féraud, the head of Crans-Montana municipality, are confident that previous safety checks at the bar were thorough. The community has gathered in mourning, leaving flowers outside the venue to honor the victims and support grieving families.
This tragic event underscores the need for stringent safety measures in public venues, particularly those catering to large crowds. The ongoing investigation may result in significant legal consequences for those found responsible for the safety lapses that led to this catastrophic incident.
