A New Year’s Eve celebration at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, turned tragic, resulting in 40 deaths and 116 injuries, 83 of whom remain hospitalized. Most of those killed were teenagers.
Investigation Reveals Years of Unaddressed Fire Safety Concerns
Authorities have confirmed that fire safety inspections at Le Constellation had not been carried out for five years, between 2020 and 2025. While inspections were completed in 2016, 2018, and 2019, Mayor Nicolas Feraud stated, “periodic inspections were not conducted…We bitterly regret this.” Prosecutors believe the fire began when champagne bottles with sparklers ignited sound insulation foam in the bar’s basement.
The owners of Le Constellation, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are facing charges of negligent manslaughter, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. In a statement released by their lawyers, the couple expressed their devastation and pledged “full cooperation” with the investigation, stating they would “under no circumstances attempt to evade these matters.”
Families of the victims have expressed dismay at the admission of lapsed inspections. Romain Jordan, a lawyer representing several families, stated, “we would have liked to hear an apology.” The municipality has stated that the courts will determine the extent to which the lack of inspections contributed to the tragedy and that they will assume full responsibility as determined by the courts.
A video surfaced, screened by Swiss broadcaster RTS, showing a bar employee warning patrons about the flammable foam during a 2019 New Year’s Eve celebration, saying, “Watch out for the foam!” The bar had a capacity of 100 people on the ground floor and another 100 in the basement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at Le Constellation?
Prosecutors believe the fire started when champagne bottles with sparklers attached were used during New Year’s Eve celebrations, igniting sound insulation foam on the ceiling in the bar’s basement.
How often should fire safety inspections have been conducted?
By law, the municipal fire department should have conducted annual inspections of establishments open to the public, including Le Constellation.
What is the status of the bar owners?
Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the owners of Le Constellation, are facing charges for manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence and have pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what role the lack of inspections played in the scale of the tragedy and what consequences will follow for those responsible.
