The death toll stemming from the January 1 inferno at the Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort has increased to 41, Swiss authorities announced on Saturday. The latest victim, an 18-year-old Swiss national, succumbed to injuries sustained in the blaze, according to a statement from Wallis canton’s public prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud.
This tragedy, which occurred during New Year celebrations, has resulted in 115 documented injuries, with many victims still receiving treatment across specialized units in Switzerland and four other European nations. The deceased ranged in age from 14 to 39, with a significant majority being teenagers, underscoring the impact on younger demographics.
Public prosecutors are reportedly focusing their investigation on whether sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited sound insulation foam in the bar’s basement ceiling. Authorities are examining compliance with safety regulations concerning both the foam materials and the use of such pyrotechnics indoors.
Further complicating the regulatory review, official reports indicate that fire safety inspections at the venue had not been conducted since 2019. Swiss prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation against the French owners on suspicion of negligent homicide and causing a fire by negligence.
One of the owners, Jacques Moretti, was briefly held in pretrial detention before being released on bail on January 23, a decision that reportedly drew diplomatic friction with Italy, which lost nationals in the fire. Local municipal safety officials are also reportedly under criminal investigation.
The ongoing medical response remains complex, with 37 patients reportedly still hospitalized in Switzerland and 44 being treated abroad as of Monday, according to the Federal Office for Civil Protection.
This high-casualty event places intense scrutiny on nightlife safety protocols and regulatory enforcement within Swiss tourist destinations. The final casualty count and the outcome of the criminal proceedings will shape future liability standards for hospitality venues.
