Crans-Montana bar fire investigation reveals major safety failures

A fatal fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana resulted in 40 deaths and more than 110 injuries. The establishment was co-owned by Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who took over the bar in 2015.

Investigations into the disaster have revealed significant regulatory and safety failures. Reports indicate that an extensive renovation in 2015 was conducted without a building permit, meaning no fire safety inspections were performed on the interior. Additionally, non-compliant acoustic foam was installed in the basement, and a smoking room added in 2017 was never properly inspected after being flagged by local authorities.

Previous fire safety inspections in 2018 and 2019 identified several hazards, including flammable wood paneling in the stairwell, a lack of fire blankets, and insufficient fire safety training for staff. Jacques Moretti has been placed in pre-trial detention as investigators evaluate the circumstances of the tragedy. Jessica Moretti, a former actress, reportedly assisted in evacuating clients and alerting emergency services.