Crans-Montana Bar Fire Prompts Joint Interrogation of Owners

A devastating fire broke out in the Le Constellation bar in Crans‑Montana, Switzerland, killing 41 people and injuring 115. The blaze was fueled by party fountains that ignited foam on the ceiling, and victims were trapped on a narrow stairway, with a locked door blocking an escape route.

Bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti, a French couple, were brought before a court in Sitten, canton Valais, for a joint “confrontation interrogation.” Prosecutors will question each partner in the presence of the other about responsibilities and instructions related to fire safety. Attorney Didier Elsig, representing victims’ families, said, “The Morettis must stop evading responsibility and admit their mistakes.”

Swiss authorities are investigating the Morettis for negligent homicide, bodily injury and negligent arson, and have also opened inquiries into about a dozen municipal employees. The municipality admitted that mandatory fire‑safety inspections had not been performed since 2019, and staff had never received fire‑safety training or knowledge of fire‑extinguisher locations. No formal charges have yet been filed.