A fire ripped through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana at 1:30am on New Year's Day as over 100 revelers celebrated. Multiple witnesses told French media BFMTV that waitresses carried champagne bottles with sparklers on a barman's shoulders—the flames came within centimeters of the acoustic foam ceiling, igniting an inferno that engulfed the entire nightclub within 10 seconds. At least 40 people died and 116 were hospitalized with severe burns. All 40 victims have been identified: 21 Swiss nationals (aged 14-31), 6 Italians (including one Italian-Emirati dual citizen), 9 French citizens, 1 Romanian, and 1 Turkish citizen. Among the dead was a 15-year-old girl with French, British, and Israeli nationalities. A locked service door in the basement—which owner Jacques Moretti admitted to investigators—may have trapped victims trying to escape.
On January 2, Valais prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud opened a criminal investigation against bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti on charges of homicide by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. On January 12, a Swiss court ordered Jacques Moretti into three months of pretrial detention citing risk of flight, while Jessica remains free under judicial supervision. If prosecutors prove the locked door contributed to deaths, the Morettis could face up to 20 years in prison. Investigators confirmed the venue's acoustic foam violated Swiss fire code—regulations prohibit leaving such foam visible—and that the bar received only three inspections between 2015-2019 despite annual inspection requirements. Switzerland held a national day of mourning on January 9. This is the deadliest Swiss fire disaster in modern history.
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People Involved
Beatrice Pilloud
Prosecutor General of Valais Canton (Facing criticism for delegating investigation to four prosecutors rather than personally leading case)
Mathias Reynard
President of Valais Canton State Council (Coordinating disaster response across canton)
Frédéric Gisler
Valais Canton Police Commander (Leading emergency response coordination)
Guy Parmelin
President of Switzerland (First day in office overshadowed by disaster)
Antonio Tajani
Italian Foreign Minister (Coordinating Italian victim response in Crans-Montana)
Jacques Moretti
Co-owner and Manager of Le Constellation Bar (In pretrial detention through April 12, 2026; faces up to 20 years if locked door proven to have caused deaths)
Jessica Moretti
Co-owner and Manager of Le Constellation Bar (Free under judicial supervision while criminal investigation proceeds; will not be held in custody before trial)
Emanuele Galeppini
Victim (16-year-old Italian golfer) (Deceased; first publicly identified victim)
Arthur Brodard
Victim (16-year-old Swiss national) (Deceased; identified January 3)
Organizations Involved
LE
Le Constellation Bar
Nightclub/Lounge
Status: Destroyed; owners under investigation
A two-story bar and lounge in the heart of Crans-Montana with heavy wooden interior finishes.
VA
Valais Public Prosecutor's Office
Cantonal Law Enforcement
Status: Conducting criminal investigation
Regional prosecution authority investigating potential criminal negligence in the fire.
VA
Valais Hospital (Hôpital du Valais)
Regional Medical Center
Status: Overwhelmed; ICU at capacity
Primary trauma center serving Valais canton, quickly exceeded by mass casualty event.
LA
Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV)
Specialized Burn Treatment Center
Status: Crisis mode treating 22 burn victims
One of only two specialized burn centers in Switzerland, now overwhelmed by Crans-Montana casualties.
UN
University Hospital Zurich (USZ)
Specialized Burn Treatment Center
Status: Crisis mode treating 12 burn victims
Switzerland's second specialized burn center, now operating in crisis mode alongside Lausanne.
ZU
Zurich Forensic Institute (IRM)
Forensic Identification Facility
Status: Leading victim identification process
Switzerland's premier forensic institute tasked with identifying severely burned victims.
Timeline
Swiss Fire Standards Authority Halts Regulation Liberalization
Response
Intercantonal authority that establishes Swiss fire safety standards announces halt to ongoing project aimed at revision and liberalization of standards, pending results of Crans-Montana investigation.
Criticism Emerges Over Prosecutor Pilloud's Case Handling
Investigation
Lawyers call for recusal of Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud amid criticism over her handling of the case. Critics note she delegated investigation to team of four prosecutors rather than personally leading it.
Court Orders Jacques Moretti to Three Months Pretrial Detention
Investigation
Valais cantonal court rules Jacques Moretti must remain in pretrial detention for three months. Jessica Moretti will not be held in custody before trial. If prosecutors prove locked door contributed to deaths, couple could face up to 20 years in prison.
Municipal council imposes ban on pyrotechnic devices of any kind in enclosed areas throughout municipality. Council commissions external specialist firm to inspect all public establishments, including materials quality.
Switzerland Observes National Day of Mourning
Response
Switzerland holds national day of mourning in memory of the 40 victims. Hundreds march in silence through Crans-Montana as families mourn.
Jacques Moretti Detained, Cites Risk of Flight
Investigation
Valais prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud orders detention of Jacques Moretti after he admits to investigators that basement service door was locked from inside during fire. Prosecutors cite 'risk of flight' as justification.
Official Confirms Acoustic Foam Should Have Been Inspected
Investigation
Senior official states soundproofing foam that caught fire should have been subject to regular safety checks by law. Swiss fire code prohibits leaving acoustic foam visible; Le Constellation's ceiling violated this regulation.
All 40 Victims Identified by Forensic Teams
Investigation
Valais police, DVI network, and Zurich Forensic Institute complete identification of all fatalities using dental records and DNA: 21 Swiss, 6 Italian (including 1 Italian-UAE dual), 9 French, 1 Romanian, 1 Turkish. Youngest victim was 14; oldest was 31.
24 Victims Identified; Teenagers as Young as 14 Among Dead
Investigation
Swiss police identify 16 additional victims, bringing total to 24. Dead include 18 Swiss citizens (aged 14-31), 2 Italians (both 16), 1 dual Italian-UAE citizen (16), 1 Romanian (18), 1 French (39), and 1 Turkish citizen (18). Presence of 14- and 15-year-olds raises questions about venue's ID enforcement.
Four Swiss Victims Identified, Bodies Released to Families
Investigation
Regional police identify four Swiss victims: two aged 16, one aged 18, and one aged 21. Bodies returned to families for burial.
Criminal Investigation Opened Against Bar Managers
Investigation
Valais prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud announces criminal investigation against Jacques and Jessica Moretti on charges of homicide by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
First Victim Publicly Identified: Teen Golfer Emanuele Galeppini
Investigation
Italian Golf Federation confirms 16-year-old Emanuele Galeppini, who lived in Dubai and won 2025 Faldo Junior Tour U16 event, died in the fire. He was at the bar with two friends who survived.
Acoustic Foam Ceiling Identified as Key Investigation Focus
Investigation
Prosecutor Pilloud announces investigators examining whether bar's acoustic foam ceiling complied with fire safety regulations and contributed to rapid fire spread. Venue had been inspected only 3 times in 10 years despite annual inspection requirements.
150 personnel, 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances deployed; hospitals across four cantons overwhelmed.
Officials Confirm Dozens Dead, Rule Out Terrorism
Statement
Prosecutor Pilloud announces criminal investigation; death toll approximately 40 per Italian foreign ministry.
Zurich Forensic Institute Enlisted
Investigation
Valais authorities request specialist support to identify victims with severe burns.
Witnesses Report Sparklers on Champagne Bottles as Cause
Investigation
Multiple witnesses tell French media BFMTV that waitresses carrying champagne bottles with sparklers on barman's shoulders ignited ceiling; flames engulfed nightclub within 10 seconds.
Forensic Team Enters Scene, Bodies Tented
Investigation
Swiss police forensics team from Zurich enters tented area set up in front of bar; white screens shield scene. Italian ambassador warns identification may take weeks due to burn severity.
President Parmelin Postpones Inaugural Address
Statement
Swiss President Guy Parmelin postpones traditional New Year's address on his first day in office, announces plans to speak in Sion. 'What should have been joy turned into grief,' he writes.
Italian Foreign Minister Tajani Arrives in Crans-Montana
Response
Antonio Tajani meets with families of ~15 injured Italians and as many missing; personally provides phone number to families unable to reach relatives. Confirms coordination with Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis.
Lausanne and Zurich Hospitals Declare Crisis Mode
Response
University Hospital Zurich treating 12 burn patients; Lausanne treating 22 (youngest age 16). Both Switzerland's only specialized burn centers operating in crisis mode, expecting more arrivals.
Le Constellation Owners Block Social Media Profiles
Background
French couple from Corsica who operate Le Constellation make Instagram and Facebook profiles inaccessible shortly after incident.
Le Constellation Opens
Background
French couple from Corsica opens two-story bar in Crans-Montana's town center.
Scenarios
1
Venue Owners Charged with Manslaughter, Safety Violations
Discussed by: Legal experts citing parallels to Colectiv, Station, and Kiss prosecutions
If investigators confirm Le Constellation lacked fire safety authorizations, violated capacity limits, or permitted unauthorized pyrotechnics, venue owners could face criminal charges similar to those in the 2015 Colectiv fire (11+ years prison) or 2003 Station fire (15-year sentences). Swiss law treats negligent homicide seriously, and the death toll—potentially Switzerland's deadliest fire in modern history—would pressure prosecutors to pursue maximum penalties. Conviction depends on proving owners knew about safety deficiencies.
2
Switzerland Bans Indoor Pyrotechnics Nationwide
Discussed by: Fire safety advocates and Swiss media drawing comparisons to post-Station U.S. bans
Following the pattern set by Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Goa after their nightclub disasters, Swiss authorities could impose a nationwide ban on indoor fireworks and pyrotechnics in entertainment venues. This scenario gains traction if evidence confirms pyrotechnics or open flames caused the fire. Switzerland's federalist structure means cantonal implementation would vary, but Valais could lead with the strictest regulations—mandatory sprinklers for venues over 100 capacity, fireproof materials requirements, and licensing reforms.
If the investigation determines the fire resulted from an unforeseeable accident—a candle mishap rather than systematic negligence—prosecutors might decline to pursue major charges. The wooden construction could be deemed legal under older building codes the venue was grandfathered into. Victims' families would pursue civil suits instead, likely settling for insurance payouts without criminal accountability. This outcome would mirror cases where grandfather clauses shield venues from modern safety standards.
4
Bar Owners Convicted on Multiple Negligence Counts
Discussed by: Legal analysts citing parallels to Colectiv and Station prosecutions; Swiss media commentators
If investigators confirm the Morettis allowed indoor pyrotechnics without authorization, failed to install fire-retardant acoustic foam, and violated inspection requirements (only 3 inspections in 10 years vs. required annual checks), they could face lengthy prison sentences similar to Romania's Colectiv case (11+ years). The presence of minors aged 14-15 may add charges related to negligent admission of underage patrons. Swiss law treats negligent homicide seriously, especially with 40+ deaths. The couple's claim that 'everything was done according to standards' will be tested against forensic evidence of non-compliant acoustic foam and missing safety inspections.
5
Venue Inspection System Overhaul Across Switzerland
Discussed by: Fire safety advocates and Swiss regulatory officials
The revelation that Le Constellation received only 3 inspections in 10 years—far below Switzerland's requirement for annual checks—suggests systemic enforcement failures across Valais canton and potentially nationwide. Following public outrage, Swiss authorities could mandate digital inspection tracking systems, impose heavy fines for missed inspections, and require third-party audits of fire safety compliance. Cantons might create dedicated fire safety inspection units with unannounced visits. This scenario mirrors post-disaster regulatory reforms in other countries where inspection failures enabled preventable tragedies.
6
Morettis Convicted on Aggravated Charges Due to Locked Door
Discussed by: Legal analysts citing Swiss criminal law on negligent homicide; Valais prosecutors
Jacques Moretti's admission that the basement service door was locked from inside could elevate charges beyond negligence to willful endangerment. Swiss prosecutors indicated that if they prove the locked door contributed to deaths—trapping victims who might otherwise have escaped—the Morettis could face up to 20 years in prison rather than the typical 11-15 year sentences for negligent homicide. This scenario mirrors the Kiss nightclub fire in Brazil, where victims piled up at blocked exits. The locked door combined with acoustic foam violations and sparkler ignition creates a compelling case for severe penalties.
7
Nationwide Acoustic Foam Ban in Entertainment Venues
Discussed by: Swiss fire safety regulators and intercantonal standards authority
Following confirmation that Le Constellation's acoustic foam violated existing regulations prohibiting visible foam, Swiss authorities could impose stricter nationwide enforcement requiring removal of all non-compliant acoustic materials from bars and nightclubs. The intercantonal fire standards authority has already halted plans to liberalize fire safety regulations pending investigation results. This could trigger a costly retrofit mandate across Switzerland's 10,000+ entertainment venues, similar to post-Station sprinkler requirements in Rhode Island.
Historical Context
The Station Nightclub Fire (Rhode Island, 2003)
February 20, 2003
What Happened
Pyrotechnics during a Great White concert ignited foam insulation at The Station nightclub in West Warwick. Within six minutes, 100 people died and 230 were injured as the building became fully engulfed. Most victims died from smoke inhalation; many were trapped near exits blocked by crowds.
Outcome
Short Term
Tour manager Daniel Biechele sentenced to 15 years; civil suits recovered $176 million for victims.
Long Term
Rhode Island banned indoor pyrotechnics and required sprinklers in venues over 150 capacity—now the strictest U.S. fire code.
Why It's Relevant Today
Demonstrates how pyrotechnic nightclub fires kill within minutes and trigger sweeping regulatory reform.
Kiss Nightclub Fire (Brazil, 2013)
January 27, 2013
What Happened
A band's outdoor fireworks ignited acoustic foam at Kiss nightclub in Santa Maria during a college party. With 1,200 people in a 615-square-meter space designed for 700, and only one functioning exit, 242 died—mostly from cyanide released by burning foam. Victims piled up in bathrooms they mistook for exits.
Outcome
Short Term
Band members and club owners received 18-22 year sentences (later overturned on procedural grounds).
Long Term
Brazil's second-deadliest fire prompted new safety laws but enforcement remains weak nationwide.
Why It's Relevant Today
Shows how wooden interiors, foam insulation, and inadequate exits create identical disaster conditions across continents.
Colectiv Nightclub Fire (Romania, 2015)
October 30, 2015
What Happened
Sparkler fireworks during a Goodbye to Gravity concert ignited polyurethane foam at Bucharest's Colectiv club. Between 300-400 people were inside the unlicensed venue. Sixty-four died, most from toxic foam fumes. The tragedy exposed corruption allowing venues to operate without safety inspections.
Outcome
Short Term
Prime Minister Victor Ponta resigned amid protests; club owners received 11+ year sentences.
Long Term
Exposed systemic corruption in Romania's safety inspection regime; healthcare system also failed burn victims.
Why It's Relevant Today
Illustrates how nightclub fire disasters can trigger government collapse when linked to regulatory corruption.
