Tragedy Strikes as Swiss Bar Lacks Fire Safety Inspections, Leaving 40 Dead

Swiss authorities admitted on January 6 that fire safety inspections had not been conducted for the past five years at Le Constellation, a bar where a devastating fire led to the deaths of 40 people during a New Year celebration. The bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are facing charges of negligent manslaughter and expressed their overwhelming grief, vowing to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. The tragic fire at the bar, located in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana in the southwestern Wallis region, left 116 people injured, with 83 still receiving treatment in hospitals. Most of the deceased, tragically, were teenagers celebrating the arrival of the New Year. Prosecutors believe the inferno ignited around 1:30 AM when celebrants raised champagne bottles with sparklers, which ignited sound insulation foam installed on the ceiling of the bar’s basement. This foam had been in place since 2015 during renovations that did not require a permit, raising questions about previous inspections conducted between 2016 and 2019. Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud expressed regret over the absence of periodic inspections between 2020 and 2025, stating, "We bitterly regret this." He conveyed the municipality's full responsibility in light of the catastrophe, emphasizing that the courts would need to determine the culpability and influence of the fire safety failures that contributed to the tragedy. Relatives of the victims reacted with dismay to the news of the inspection lapses. Romain Jordan, a lawyer representing multiple families, articulated their desire for an official apology, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation. According to municipal law, the fire department is mandated to perform annual checks on establishments open to the public. In their first public statement since being charged, the Morettis conveyed sorrow, stating that no words could adequately express the tragedy of that night. Their statement elaborated that the site of celebration had turned into a place of horror, and they assured the public of their commitment to take responsibility. The mezmorizing atmosphere expected on New Year’s Eve turned into a scene of chaos, and safety officials who overlooked the bar in previous years are now facing scrutiny. Mayor Feraud acknowledged that inspectors should have exercised greater caution, admitting the oversight while ruling out his resignation, stating, "I will carry this burden and the sorrow of all these families for the rest of my life." The loss felt by the community is profound as they grapple with the aftermath of a preventable disaster that struck during what was meant to be a joyous celebration. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2