Switzerland Mourns Victims of Tragic Alpine Bar Fire as Investigations Unfold

Switzerland observed a national day of mourning on Friday, January 9, to honor the 40 lives lost in a tragic fire at an Alpine bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations. This devastating incident occurred at Le Constellation in the resort of Crans-Montana, less than two hours after midnight on January 1, leaving 116 others injured, many severely. The owners of the bar, French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are currently under scrutiny, with prosecutors requesting pretrial detention for Jacques Moretti to prevent any flight risk. As the investigation unfolds, the Valais region's chief prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, stated that the couple was questioned, and Jacques Moretti has been held pending a court decision, while his wife remains under judicial supervision. A memorial service symbolizing national mourning took place, marked by a minute of silence and the ringing of church bells across the country for five minutes starting at 2 PM. Citizens gathered to light candles and lay flowers in remembrance of the victims, while a national ceremony was broadcast live on public television. Swiss President Guy Parmelin spoke poignantly at the memorial, emphasizing the need to cherish the memories of those lost: "Our country is appalled by this tragedy. It bows before the memory of those who are no longer with us. It stands by the bedside of those who are about to embark on a long road to recovery." Authorities are investigating the fire's cause, which is believed to have been ignited by sparkling candles placed on Champagne bottles that may have come too close to the ceiling. A crucial aspect of the investigation is whether the soundproofing material was compliant with safety regulations, as fire inspections at the bar had not been conducted since 2019. The severity of burns sustained by victims complicated the identification process, with some families having to provide DNA samples to assist authorities. Among the deceased were many young individuals, with victims ranging in age from teenagers to those in their mid-twenties. The impact of the tragedy extended beyond Switzerland, with nine French citizens losing their lives in the fire. In response, the Paris prosecutor's office announced its own investigation to support Swiss authorities and facilitate communication for the families of French victims. Among the Italian casualties, five of the six Italian victims required autopsies to be performed by delegations in Milan, Bologna, and Genoa. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed outrage over the incident, asserting that the tragedy resulted from neglect and poor oversight. "What happened is not a disaster; it’s the result of too many people who didn’t do their job or who thought they were making easy money. Those responsible must be identified and prosecuted,” she stated during a press conference, assuring families they would not be abandoned in their pursuit of justice. As investigators delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this horrific event, Switzerland stands united in mourning, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable while extending support for the healing of survivors and the families of victims. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2