The devastating bar fire that tore through a popular Swiss ski resort on New Year's Eve has claimed another life, with Swiss authorities confirming the death of an 18-year-old victim in hospital this weekend. This tragic development brings the official death toll from the horrific incident to forty-one individuals.
Teenager Succumbs to Injuries One Month After Blaze
The Swiss public prosecutor's office issued a sombre statement today confirming that the young victim passed away at a Zurich hospital on Saturday. The teenager had been receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the catastrophic fire that engulfed the "Le Constellation" bar in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of January 1st.
Prosecutors indicated that no further information regarding the status of their ongoing investigation would be provided at this stage, maintaining a tight-lipped approach as their enquiries continue.
Investigation Focuses on Safety Compliance and Sparkler Candles
Investigators have previously suggested that the inferno may have been triggered by sparkling candles placed atop Champagne bottles, which allegedly ignited foam soundproofing material on the bar's ceiling when brought into close proximity. The blaze erupted less than two hours after midnight during packed New Year's celebrations, creating chaotic scenes as partygoers attempted to flee the burning premises.
Authorities are examining multiple critical factors, including whether the ceiling's soundproofing material complied with existing regulations and if the sparkler candles were permitted for use within the establishment. Records indicate that the bar last underwent a formal fire safety inspection in 2019, raising questions about compliance oversight in the intervening years.
Criminal Proceedings Against Bar Owners Continue
The French couple who own "Le Constellation," Jacques and Jessica Moretti, have become subjects of a criminal investigation conducted by Swiss prosecutors. They currently face suspicion of multiple charges including negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire through negligence.
Jacques Moretti was initially placed in pre-trial detention for three months by the court of compulsory measures in Valais on January 12th. However, in a subsequent development on January 23rd, the court ordered his release on bail as investigations proceed.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the close-knit Alpine community and raised serious questions about fire safety protocols in entertainment venues across Swiss resorts. As families continue to mourn their losses, authorities remain focused on determining the precise chain of events that led to one of Switzerland's deadliest fire disasters in recent memory.
