Italian victims sober and trapped in Crans‑Montana bar fire; blocked exits implicated

Autopsies conducted on six Italian teenagers (aged 15‑17) who perished in the Le Constellation bar fire in Crans‑Montana confirm they had no alcohol or drugs in their system and were fully aware of the danger. The examinations show they attempted to escape but were unable to do so because the emergency exit was locked, trapping them inside the smoke‑filled venue.

The fire, which broke out on the night of 31 December 2023‑1 January 2024, killed a total of 41 people and injured 115 others. Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the owners of the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who face charges of multiple manslaughter, injuries and negligent arson. Causes of death include severe burns and carbon‑monoxide inhalation. The investigation is being pursued jointly by authorities in Switzerland and Italy, with the Italian public prosecutor in Rome reviewing the autopsy results and the Swiss office in Sion collecting further evidence.