**CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland** – Authorities in the Valais canton have initiated a criminal investigation into the operators of the Le Constellation bar, a popular establishment in the upscale Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana, following a catastrophic New Year's Eve fire that claimed the lives of 40 individuals and left 119 others with severe injuries. The blaze, which erupted during a festive celebration, has been described as one of Switzerland's most devastating tragedies in recent memory.
Prosecutors are scrutinising the actions of the bar's management, a French couple reportedly identified in media reports as Jacques and Jessica Moretti. The investigation encompasses potential charges of negligent homicide, negligent infliction of bodily harm, and negligent arson. The inferno, which eyewitnesses described as a terrifyingly rapid conflagration, is believed to have been ignited by sparklers used to adorn champagne bottles, which allegedly came into contact with the bar's ceiling. This detail has immediately cast a spotlight on safety protocols and the materials used in the venue's construction.
The sheer ferocity of the fire, with estimated temperatures soaring to between 500 and 600 degrees Celsius, has compounded the tragedy. The extensive burns sustained by many victims have rendered identification a painstaking and emotionally arduous process, with officials continuing efforts two days after the incident to confirm the identities of all deceased and locate missing persons. Families of those who attended the New Year's Eve revelry are enduring a period of profound uncertainty and anguish, desperately awaiting news of their loved ones. The presence of numerous young people, including teenagers, among the casualties has amplified the sense of shock and sorrow permeating both the local community and international circles, including the world of professional golf, with the identification of 16-year-old Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini as one of the victims.
A critical element under examination is the potential role of the foam material employed for soundproofing the bar's ceiling. Investigators are meticulously assessing whether this material adhered to regulatory standards and if its use contributed to the rapid and uncontrolled spread of the flames. Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "It was an enormous tragedy. We’re all so sorry that this had to happen." He has pledged his support for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances.
The aftermath has exposed the limitations of local medical infrastructure in managing such a large-scale disaster. The sheer volume of individuals suffering from severe burns overwhelmed the capacity of regional hospitals, necessitating the transfer of approximately 50 injured persons to specialised burn units in France and Germany, underscoring the international dimension of this devastating event. Beatrice Pilloud, Chief Prosecutor of Valais, confirmed that her office is diligently gathering all pertinent information regarding the New Year's Eve event and any prior renovations or work undertaken within the establishment. Residents, such as Patricia Mazzoni, have voiced a collective desire for accountability, imploring, "We need a moment to reflect. But afterwards, I’d like an independent investigation. An independent investigation to find out who failed here.” The findings of this comprehensive investigation are anticipated to shed light on the chain of events and potentially lead to significant repercussions for those deemed responsible, while offering a measure of closure to the grieving families.