Crans-Montana fire prompts murder‑by‑dol charges against bar owners

A blaze erupted in the underground bar‑discotheque Le Constellation in Crans‑Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Eve, killing 41 people and injuring dozens. Autopsies on the victims, including six Italian youths and a 17‑year‑old Swiss teenager, found no alcohol or drugs in their systems; deaths were caused by burns and carbon‑monoxide inhalation.

Investigators say the fire started when a pyrotechnic candle ignited non‑fire‑retardant foam on the ceiling. Safety exits were blocked, and the venue regularly used candle‑based spectacles despite known risks. Legal teams are now seeking to charge owners Jessica and Jacques Moretti with "murder by dolo," arguing they were aware of the fire hazard and failed to act, potentially elevating the charge from negligent homicide to voluntary murder.

The case could set a precedent for criminal liability in Swiss hospitality safety standards and highlights cross‑border repercussions, as many victims were Italian nationals.