In a significant development following the tragic New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Swiss prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation targeting two local officials. The blaze, which claimed the lives of 40 young people and injured 116 others, has now expanded beyond the bar's owners to include municipal figures responsible for public safety oversight.
Officials Summoned for Questioning
According to legal documents and local media reports, the current head of public safety for the Crans-Montana municipality has been summoned to a hearing scheduled for next Friday. Their lawyer, Nicolas Rivard, confirmed the summons on Thursday, stating that his client would reserve any statements for the public prosecutors. Additionally, a former council fire safety officer is due to be questioned by investigators in the south-western canton of Valais on 9 February. Their legal representative, David Aioutz, confirmed his client's intention to appear at the state prosecutor's office.
Documents Reveal Official Status
Documents from the prosecutor's office, reviewed by Reuters, describe both individuals as "defendants" in the case. These documents suggest that past and present town hall officials could bear responsibility for safety deficiencies at Le Constellation bar. This marks a pivotal shift in the investigation, which previously focused solely on the bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who face formal charges including negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson.
Details of the Tragedy
The devastating fire, which erupted in the basement party room of the crowded bar, is believed to have started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling. The ceiling was clad with soundproofing foam that quickly caught fire. Among the 40 fatalities were 21 Swiss nationals, nine French citizens, six Italians, and individuals from Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey, with an average age of just 19.
Safety Oversight Under Scrutiny
Serious questions have emerged regarding safety protocols at the establishment. Concerns have been raised about the presence and accessibility of fire extinguishers in the basement, as well as whether the exits, including a reportedly narrow single staircase leading to the bar, complied with regulations. The investigation aims to clarify the exact circumstances of the fire, assess compliance with health and safety regulations, and establish potential criminal responsibility among owners, staff, and authorities.
Earlier this month, outrage followed when the town's mayor, Nicolas Féraud, admitted that council safety officers had not conducted the obligatory annual safety check of Le Constellation since 2019. Prosecutors have rejected the council's request to become a party to the case, which would have granted it the same status as the victims. One document stated, "There are ... reasons to believe that the municipality failed in its duty to enforce the various regulations for which it was responsible [and that are] intended to safeguard the lives and physical integrity of the bar's customers." It added, "Failings could be attributable both to staff members and to members of the town council, past and present."
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
Jacques Moretti was held in preventive custody for nearly two weeks before being released on bail of SFr200,000 (£189,000) on 23 January. The couple are scheduled to be questioned again separately on 11 and 12 February. The Morettis have expressed their "indescribable grief" and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
Officials for the municipality and the prosecutors' office have not immediately responded to requests for comment. Alexandre Edelmann of Presence Switzerland, which promotes the country's image abroad, noted that the fire represents one of the worst disasters in modern Swiss history and the most significant blow to its reputation since the 2023 collapse of Credit Suisse bank.
The community continues to mourn, with flowers and candles placed outside Le Constellation bar in memory of the young victims, as the legal process unfolds to determine accountability for this heartbreaking event.
