Crans-Montana Bar Fire: French Owners Under Swiss Investigation

Swiss prosecutors are launching an investigation into the French owners of the ‘Le Constellation’ bar in Crans-Montana, Valais, amid allegations of multiple offenses, including negligent homicide. The families of the victims have filed legal complaints following the devastating fire.

Jacques Moretti, one of the owners, is currently in custody due to fears he may evade authorities, as reported by anonymous sources. Valais police have refrained from commenting directly, directing questions to the prosecutor’s office, which has not yet released a public statement.

On Friday, Jacques and Jessica Moretti chose not to speak to reporters as they arrived at the prosecutor’s office in Sion. This date has been deemed a national day of mourning in Switzerland for the victims.

The owners have expressed their condolences over the tragedy and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. The fire resulted in multiple fatalities, predominantly affecting teenagers, and 116 others sustained injuries, many of them severe. Among the deceased were individuals from France and Italy, prompting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to call for stringent justice for those responsible.

Both Italian President Sergio Mattarella and French President Emmanuel Macron participated in a solemn ceremony in Martigny, honoring the victims alongside Swiss officials and firefighters. A moment of silence was held to remember those lost.

In Crans-Montana, mourners silently gathered near the bar, heads bowed in the heavy snowfall. An igloo structure has been erected to safeguard hundreds of letters, teddy bears, and floral tributes left in remembrance.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin emphasized at the Martigny ceremony that swift consequences must follow for those responsible, while Valais government leader Mathias Reynard stated that political officials with any obligation must also be held accountable.

In Rome, Prime Minister Meloni pledged support to the families of Italian victims and is contemplating a ban on indoor sparklers in Italy. She criticized the negligence of those accountable, asserting, "This tragedy occurred due to a disregard for responsibility and the pursuit of easy profits. The culprits must be identified and face justice."

Witnesses and prosecutors suggest the fire started when sparklers ignited foam soundproofing on the basement ceiling. The local mayor has admitted that the bar had failed several safety inspections.

Prosecutors have previously indicated that the grounds for detaining the owners have not been fully established, but the investigation remains active. On January 6, the owners expressed their grief and sympathy for the victims and those still hospitalized.