Le Constellation Bar Fire Claims 40 Lives in Crans-Montana
Sparklers and Narrowed Stairwell Cited as Major Factors in Deadly Blaze
Callum Smith
A devastating fire at Le Constellation bar during a wedding celebration has resulted in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries.
The blaze is believed to have started when sparklers in champagne bottles ignited foam soundproof cladding in the ceiling.
Local reports suggest fountain candles on a wedding cake may have also played a role, though Swiss prosecutors believe sparklers attached to champagne bottles were the primary cause.
A narrowed stairwell exacerbated the fire. The owner, Jacques Moretti, had reduced the passage from three meters to just one.
Thirty-four of the victims died on this stairwell.
Multiple inquiry sources claim the modified staircase was a decisive factor in the disaster.
A total lack of safety checks, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers at the bar contributed to the tragic outcome.
The bar had not undergone a safety inspection in five years. Owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti now face charges including manslaughter by negligence.
The couple was placed under criminal investigation days after the fire. A judge has ordered Jacques Moretti to remain in detention for 90 days.
Prosecutors argue Moretti is a flight risk, citing concerns that he could flee Switzerland, destroy evidence, or influence witness testimony.
Romain Jordan, a lawyer representing several Swiss families, echoed these concerns regarding the potential loss of evidence and the integrity of the investigation.
The couple's rapid accumulation of wealth—including a real estate empire built without mortgages—has raised further questions about their financial dealings.
The investigation continues as the incident draws comparisons to a previous deadly fire at a Swiss ski resort.
Most of the victims were young; eight were under the age of 16.
The hotel was severely damaged in the blaze.