Swiss Crans-Montana Bar Fire Owners Face Court Over 41 Deaths

On the night of 1 January 2026, a fire ripped through the bar Le Constellation in Crans‑Montana, Switzerland, killing 41 people and injuring 115. Surveillance footage showed sparks from candle‑fountains igniting acoustic‑foam insulation on the basement ceiling, while an ineffective alarm system left dozens trapped by blocked exits.

The owners, French‑born Jacques and Jessica Moretti, have been summoned again to appear before prosecutors in Sion. They, along with 12 other individuals, face charges of negligent homicide, negligent bodily injury and negligent arson. The investigation also examines the municipality’s role, noting that no fire safety inspections had been carried out since 2019. Victims were mostly Swiss, but the death toll included nine French and six Italian nationals, with 17 victims aged 16 or younger.

The court hearing is described by the victims’ lawyers as the last chance for the Morettis to tell “the whole truth” and for authorities to determine responsibility and prevent a repeat of the tragedy.