Crans-Montana bar fire investigation

An investigation is underway regarding a fatal New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, which resulted in 41 deaths and 115 injuries. Preliminary findings indicate the fire was caused by sparks from fountain candles igniting soundproofing foam on a basement ceiling. The victims were largely adolescents and young adults, many of whom were foreign nationals from France and Italy.

The criminal probe has expanded as investigators look into reports that fire and safety inspections had been absent at the bar since 2019. The number of individuals under investigation has grown to 17 suspects. This group includes French co-owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti, as well as various current and former municipal officials and employees. Specifically, the investigation has incorporated a former security official, Thibault Beytrison, and a former councillor in charge of construction, Rose-Marie Clavien. Those implicated face charges including negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson.