Swiss prosecutor resigns amid Crans-Montana bar fire investigation

One of the three magistrates leading the criminal investigation into the deadly New Year’s Eve fire at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana will leave the Swiss public ministry at the end of the year. The resignation, effective 31 December 2026, was announced in a six‑line letter addressed to the lawyers of the victims’ families and the accused, citing a new professional opportunity. The letter did not explain whether the departure is linked to the case.

The investigation will continue under the deputy chief prosecutor together with the remaining magistrate, while it is unclear if a third prosecutor will be appointed. The fire, caused by champagne bottles with fireworks igniting insulation foam in the bar’s basement, killed 41 people—mostly teenagers—and injured 115. The bar’s owners, the Moretti couple, are being prosecuted for negligent homicide. Two suspect hearings are scheduled for next week.