Crans-Montana nightclub fire triggers Italian‑Swiss homicide investigations

Autopsies on the six Italian teenagers who died in the Le Constellation nightclub fire in Crans‑Montana confirmed they were sober and died from severe burns and carbon‑monoxide inhalation. The examinations also showed that emergency exits were barred, preventing evacuation.

Italian prosecutors, led by Stefano Opilio, have opened a parallel investigation to the Swiss inquiry, accusing owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti of multiple homicide through negligence, bodily injury and reckless fire setting. The families of the victims are demanding that the charges be upgraded to “vrasje me dashje eventuale,” which could bring sentences up to 20 years.

Swiss authorities are also expanding their probe, examining alleged falsified acoustic‑panel documents and internal communications about pyrotechnic use inside the venue. The cross‑border case highlights safety‑regulation failures and has prompted renewed scrutiny of nightclub fire safety standards in both Italy and Switzerland.