Switzerland held a national day of mourning for the 40 people who died in a New Year’s bar fire in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana. The tribute included a memorial service, a nationwide minute of silence, and church bells ringing across the country for five minutes starting at 2 p.m. local time.
The fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar less than two hours after midnight on Jan. 1, leaving 116 people injured in addition to the deaths, with many hurt seriously. Police have said many of those killed were in their teens to mid-20s, and investigators said severe burns made it hard to identify some victims, requiring DNA samples from families.
Minute of silence and memorial service
The day of mourning featured a memorial service in Martigny, while the country paused for a minute of silence at 2 p.m., followed by church bells tolling for five minutes. France24 reported that residents in Crans-Montana could watch the ceremony streamed live on large screens, including at the town’s congress center that was used as a refuge for families seeking information after the tragedy.
Euronews reported that Swiss President Guy Parmelin wrote in an open letter that the country owes families and loved ones respect, remembrance, and the obligation to do everything possible to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again. Euronews also reported that Parmelin wrote about survivors facing a long road to recovery.
Investigation focus: sparklers and ceiling material
Investigators have said they believe sparkling candles or sparklers placed on Champagne bottles ignited the fire after coming too close to the ceiling. Authorities are examining whether the ceiling soundproofing complied with regulations and whether the candles were permitted inside the venue.
France24 reported that authorities suspect the fire began when Champagne bottles with sparklers were raised too close to sound insulation foam in the bar’s basement area. France24 also reported that experts said the foam appeared highly flammable and may have contributed to a flashover that trapped many people inside.
Safety checks and public questions
Fire safety inspections had not been carried out at the bar since 2019, according to both the AP and Euronews. France24 reported that officials acknowledged on Tuesday that no fire inspections had been conducted at Le Constellation since 2019, and that this sparked public outrage.
France24 reported that the investigation is seeking to clarify responsibilities involving both authorities and the bar’s owners or managers, Jacques and Jessica Moretti. Euronews reported Swiss authorities opened a criminal investigation into the two managers and that they are suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm, and involuntarily causing a fire, citing the Valais region’s chief prosecutor.
Detentions and differing accounts
Euronews reported that Jacques Moretti, described as the manager of the bar, was arrested due to a potential risk of flight, while also reporting that the couple arrived at the prosecutor’s office in Sion for questioning. France24 reported the couple were summoned for questioning and said sources close to the inquiry said they had not been detained.
In their first public comments since the fire, Euronews reported the Morettis said they were devastated and overwhelmed with grief and pledged full cooperation with investigators. France24 likewise reported that the couple said they were devastated and overwhelmed with grief and committed to providing full cooperation with investigators.
International impact and additional probes
The AP reported that Italy’s Rome prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into the blaze alleging manslaughter and arson, according to Italian media. The AP also reported that Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said at a Friday press conference that those responsible must be identified and prosecuted, and said families will not be left alone while they seek justice.
The AP reported that the Paris prosecutor’s office announced it was opening a probe to assist the Swiss investigation and to make it easier for families of French victims to communicate with Swiss investigators. The AP reported nine French citizens were killed, with the youngest aged 14, and 23 others were injured.
France24 reported that while most victims were Swiss, people from 19 countries were among those killed or injured, and that half of those who died were under 18, including some aged 14. France24 also reported that 83 people remained hospitalized, and that the most critically burned patients were transferred to specialized facilities in Switzerland and abroad.
