Swiss Bar Owner Detained Following Deadly New Year's Fire in Crans-Montana
SION, Switzerland – A co-owner of a popular Swiss ski resort bar has been taken into custody as investigations intensify into a New Year's Eve blaze that claimed the lives of 40 people, many of them teenagers. The arrest of Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, comes amidst a national day of mourning across Switzerland and growing calls for accountability after the tragic incident that also left 116 individuals seriously injured. Prosecutors cited a "risk of flight" as the reason for his detention, while his wife and fellow co-owner, Jessica Moretti, was released under judicial supervision following questioning.
The devastating fire, which erupted in the early hours of January 1, 2026, transformed a celebratory New Year's Eve gathering into a scene of unimaginable horror. The inferno quickly engulfed Le Constellation, a luxury bar nestled in the popular Alpine resort, trapping revelers and overwhelming emergency services. The average age of the deceased was a somber 19, underscoring the profound loss for families and the community. The incident has sent shockwaves through Switzerland and beyond, prompting a criminal probe into the circumstances that led to such a catastrophic loss of life.
The Catastrophic Blaze and Immediate Aftermath
The festive atmosphere at Le Constellation bar dissolved into chaos shortly after midnight on New Year's Day when a fire, suspected to have been ignited by sparklers, erupted with deadly speed. Investigators believe that sparklers, also known as fountain candles or Bengal lights, attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling, causing soundproofing materials to ignite. This rapidly escalating fire created a perilous environment, leading to multiple fatalities and severe injuries. Emergency responders faced a challenging scene, working to extract victims and control the raging fire. The sheer scale of the casualties quickly became apparent, overwhelming local medical facilities and prompting a large-scale rescue operation.
In the days immediately following the disaster, a makeshift memorial began to grow outside the charred remains of Le Constellation. Tributes of flowers, teddy bears, and lit candles accumulated, shielded from the falling snow by an igloo-like tarpaulin. On Friday, January 9, as Switzerland observed a national day of mourning, individuals like Azeddine Mekrabech made pilgrimages to the site, placing 40 white roses – one for each victim – at the memorial. The tragedy has deeply affected the Swiss populace, with many expressing profound sadness and anger. Church bells across the nation tolled for five minutes in remembrance, and a national ceremony, livestreamed on public television, allowed the country to collectively grieve.
Owners Questioned, One Detained as Investigation Progresses
The focus of the criminal investigation swiftly turned to the bar's management, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, a French couple who co-owned Le Constellation. Both were brought in for extensive questioning by prosecutors in Sion, a town not far from Crans-Montana. Following these interrogations on Friday, January 9, Jacques Moretti, 49, was formally detained by Swiss police. Chief Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud of the Valais region stated that Moretti's detention was deemed necessary to prevent a potential "risk of flight." Jessica Moretti, however, was allowed to remain free, albeit under strict judicial supervision.
The Morettis now face serious charges, including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. These allegations suggest that the fire and its devastating consequences may have been preventable, pointing towards potential lapses in safety protocols or management oversight. While the couple had previously expressed their grief and pledged full cooperation with the investigation, the decision to detain Jacques Moretti underscores the gravity of the legal proceedings now underway. Jessica Moretti, upon her release, reportedly stated, "My thoughts are constantly with the victims. It's an unimaginable tragedy; it happened in our institution, and I want to apologize."
Mounting Questions Over Safety and Responsibility
The ongoing investigation is delving into critical questions regarding fire safety measures and regulatory compliance at Le Constellation. One particularly troubling revelation indicates that fire safety inspections had not been conducted at the bar for several years. This lapse raises significant concerns about the establishment's adherence to safety standards and whether more stringent oversight could have prevented the tragedy. Local authorities are likely to face scrutiny over the enforcement of such regulations, particularly in a popular tourist destination.
The victims of the fire were a diverse group, including French and Italian citizens, prompting international attention and calls for justice. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reportedly urged stern punishment for those found responsible for the blaze. This international dimension further amplifies the pressure on Swiss authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation. Families of the victims have already begun filing legal complaints against the bar owners, signaling what is likely to be a prolonged and complex legal battle for accountability and compensation.
A Community Grapples with Loss and the Path Forward
The Crans-Montana community, known for its vibrant ski season and festive atmosphere, is now grappling with the profound shock and sorrow left by the New Year's tragedy. The loss of so many young lives has cast a long shadow over the resort town. Beyond the immediate victims, the 116 injured individuals, many seriously, face arduous recoveries and long-term consequences. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust safety measures, particularly in venues designed for large public gatherings.
As the legal process unfolds and the investigation continues to piece together the full picture of that fateful night, Switzerland remains united in mourning. The detention of Jacques Moretti marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice, but for the families of the deceased and injured, the pain of their loss endures. The Crans-Montana fire will undoubtedly lead to a re-evaluation of safety protocols in public establishments across the country, aiming to prevent such a catastrophic event from ever happening again. The nation watches closely as the full extent of responsibility is determined in this tragic New Year's disaster.
