Swiss Bar Fire Death Toll Climbs to 41 After Teenager Succumbs to Injuries
An 18-year-old teenager has tragically died from injuries sustained in the devastating New Year's Eve bar fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, bringing the official death toll to forty-one victims. The young victim passed away in a Zurich hospital on 31st January, exactly one month after the catastrophic blaze ripped through Le Constellation bar during celebrations.
Investigation Continues as Prosecutor Withholds Details
According to Wallis canton public prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud, whose office is leading the criminal investigation into the tragedy, no further information about the teenager's death will be released at this stage. The prosecutor confirmed the fatality but maintained that the ongoing inquiry prevents additional disclosure.
The latest death compounds a tragedy that has shocked Switzerland and the international community, with the inferno having injured 116 revellers during New Year's celebrations. Initial investigative findings suggest the fire originated when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproof foam lining the basement ceiling of the popular bar.
Widespread Hospitalisations Across Europe
One month after the disaster, numerous survivors continue to receive treatment for severe burns at medical facilities across multiple countries. Switzerland's Federal Office for Civil Protection confirmed on Friday that forty-four patients were being treated abroad:
- Eighteen patients in France
- Twelve patients in Italy
- Eight patients in Germany
- Six patients in Belgium
Additionally, the Wallis health ministry reported that thirty-seven patients remained hospitalised in Swiss medical facilities as of Monday, indicating the extensive and ongoing medical challenges facing survivors.
Victim Profile and Safety Failures Revealed
The victims of the disaster ranged in age from fourteen to thirty-nine years old, with only four victims aged over twenty-four, highlighting how the tragedy disproportionately affected young people. The bar had a drinking age of sixteen, which contributed to the significant teenage presence during the celebrations.
Authorities have acknowledged concerning safety lapses, revealing that Le Constellation bar had not undergone mandatory safety inspections for five years prior to the fire. This regulatory failure has become a central focus of the criminal investigation.
Criminal Proceedings Against Multiple Parties
Swiss prosecutors have initiated criminal proceedings against French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the owners of Le Constellation bar. They face charges including:
- Negligent homicide
- Negligent bodily harm
- Causing a fire by negligence
Criminal proceedings have also been brought against the municipality's head of public safety and a former council fire safety inspector, indicating that multiple parties may share responsibility for the safety failures that contributed to the disaster.
International Victims and Memorial Services
Among those killed was former British schoolgirl Charlotte Niddam, who previously attended Immanuel College, a private Jewish school in Hertfordshire. She was celebrating the New Year in the ski resort when the fire erupted in the packed bar at approximately 1:30am on 1st January.
On 10th January, survivors, families, and mourners gathered in nearby Martigny for an emotional memorial service honouring those lost in the tragedy. The service provided a moment of collective grief for a community still grappling with the scale of loss.
The fire at Le Constellation bar represents one of Switzerland's deadliest nightlife disasters in recent memory, raising serious questions about venue safety regulations, inspection regimes, and emergency preparedness in popular tourist destinations.
