Crans-Montana bar fire investigation
Federal police launched money laundering proceedings on March 11, 2026, against Jacques and Jessica Moretti, owners of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, following a New Year's Eve fire that killed 41 people and injured over 100. As of March 11, 2026, the investigation into the fatal fire has expanded to include nine individuals, including Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Féraud, with allegations that the bar had not received a fire safety inspection since 2019. Swiss prosecutors announced on March 9, 2026, that five current and former local officials are under criminal investigation, and Switzerland will ban pyrotechnic devices in all enclosed public spaces starting April 1, 2026. A video released on February 23, 2026, showed party fountain sparks igniting flammable foam soundproofing mats, causing the rapid spread of flames. The Swiss government is allocating 7.8 million francs for 156 individuals most affected, providing a one-off payment of 50,000 Swiss francs to severely injured survivors and bereaved families.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this story2026
86 updates
2026
86 updatesFederal police have launched proceedings against Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the owners of the Le Constellation bar, over allegations of money laundering. This new investigation into the bar owners comes after the New Year's Eve fire that killed 41 people and injured over 100. The Federal Office of Police submitted a complaint to Valais prosecutors suggesting the couple may have laundered funds of criminal origin through their businesses.
via snowbrains.com
The criminal investigation into the fatal New Year's Eve bar fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana has expanded to include nine individuals, encompassing local officials and bar owners, with the mayor of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Féraud, among those under scrutiny. Investigations revealed the bar had not received a fire safety inspection since 2019.
Swiss prosecutors announced on March 9, 2026, that five current and former local officials, including the mayor of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Féraud, are under criminal investigation in connection with the New Year's bar fire. Following the tragedy, Switzerland will ban pyrotechnic devices in all enclosed public spaces starting April 1, 2026.
The Swiss parliament observed a moment of silence on March 2, 2026, to commemorate the victims of the New Year's fire in Crans-Montana. Parliamentarians acknowledged the disaster's impact and the importance of supporting survivors. The fire, which claimed 41 lives, resulted in an additional fatality as one severely injured young man recently succumbed to his injuries.
Switzerland announced on February 25, 2026, that it will provide a one-off payment of 50,000 Swiss francs (approximately US$56,000) to severely injured survivors and bereaved families of the New Year's Eve bar fire. The Swiss government is allocating 7.8 million francs for 156 individuals most affected, supplementing aid from the Valais canton.
A new video released by the Sion public prosecutor's office shows sparks from party fountains igniting flammable foam soundproofing mats, causing the rapid spread of flames at the Le Constellation bar. As of February 25, 2026, 58 people remain hospitalized, with 21 in Swiss hospitals and 28 receiving treatment abroad.
A friend of bar operator Jacques Moretti has defended him, stating the Crans-Montana bar fire was not intentional. Separately, the fire chief of Crans-Montana, David Vocat, underwent a 12-hour interrogation regarding a 2018 inspection where flammable acoustic foam was present but not flagged. The fire on New Year's Eve 2026 at 'Le Constellation' bar resulted in 41 fatalities and over a hundred injuries.
The first victims of the Crans-Montana fire treated abroad have begun their repatriation to Switzerland as of February 17, 2026. Fire department commander David Vocat described his nearly 12-hour interrogation on February 17, 2026, regarding the fire as "really, really hard." All 116 injured individuals have been identified, with 83 still hospitalized.
Documents reveal the Crans-Montana council was aware of fire safety inspection deficiencies before the fatal bar fire, following an internal investigation in 2023 that uncovered procedural faults. This report, which highlighted issues in the public safety department, was not made public and may not have been seen by prosecutors.
A former municipal safety inspection officer of Crans-Montana has been questioned by prosecutors regarding the fatal New Year's Eve bar fire that killed 41 people. The officer was responsible for safety and fire checks at the 'Le Constellation' bar in 2018 and 2019.
via swissinfo.ch
A memorial established for the 41 victims of the New Year's Day fire at the 'Le Constellation' bar in Crans-Montana caught fire early Sunday morning. Police suspect that candles left burning at the tribute site caused the blaze. The incident has reportedly reignited anger among victims' families.
On February 6, 2026, the lawyer for a victim's family requested the recusal of prosecutors in the Crans-Montana bar fire case. The lawyer cited "serious misconduct" as the reason for the request. The fire at Le Constellation bar on New Year's Eve killed 41 people and injured 115.
via ctvnews.ca
The death toll from the Crans-Montana bar fire has risen to 41 after an 18-year-old Swiss national died on January 31. Over 100 people were also injured in the incident.
A criminal investigation was opened into two officials on January 29, 2026, regarding the deadly Crans-Montana bar fire.
via theguardian.com
The bar owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are reportedly blaming employees for starting the fire with sparklers and locking a service door. The Morettis themselves face charges of manslaughter in connection with the incident.
via people.com
The Valais public prosecutor has extended criminal proceedings against a former security officer of Crans-Montana, who was responsible for several fire controls at the 'Le Constellation' bar.
via blick.ch
Swiss and Italian prosecutors are scheduled to meet in mid-February to discuss the investigation into the Crans-Montana bar fire, following a push from the Italian government due to several Italian nationals being among the victims.
via swissinfo.ch
A powerful explosion occurred at a bar in Crans-Montana on January 27, injuring several people, with authorities now favoring a gas leak as the cause. The building was heavily damaged and an investigation has been launched.
The money for bar owner Jacques Moretti's 200,000 Swiss francs bail, which led to his release, reportedly originated from Dubai.
via blick.ch
Following the release of bar owner Jacques Moretti, the Italian government has recalled its ambassador to Switzerland for consultations, in addition to formally demanding a joint investigation into the Crans-Montana fire.
via swissinfo.ch
Italy is formally demanding a joint investigation into the Crans-Montana fire, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calling for cooperation between Swiss and Italian police following the release of bar owner Jacques Moretti.
via swissinfo.ch
Video recordings from before and after the Crans-Montana bar fire were erased, which is complicating the ongoing investigation. This new information adds a significant challenge to determining the cause of the deadly incident.
via blick.ch
Investigations reveal that acoustic foam was detaching before the fire, indicating a pre-existing hazard. Additionally, the blaze reportedly started due to pyrotechnics.
via blick.ch·airmail.news
The parents of Cyane Panin, a 24-year-old waitress who died in the fire, revealed she was not supposed to be working at the bar on New Year's Eve and had been sent from another establishment.
via youtube.com
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed outrage after Swiss authorities released Jacques Moretti, the co-owner of the 'Le Constellation' bar. Moretti was freed after posting bail of 200,000 Swiss francs.
Eleonora Palmiere, a 29-year-old veterinarian and survivor of the Crans-Montana bar fire, has shared her recovery journey on social media, featuring pre-fire memories and hospital scenes.
A Swiss court has lifted the pretrial detention of Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation bar, imposing alternative measures such as a travel ban, daily police reporting, and over $250,000 in financial guarantees.
via aa.com.tr
A 15-year-old victim of the Crans-Montana bar fire has reportedly woken up, and all victims of the tragic New Year's Eve incident have now been identified. The prognosis for the young victim is currently unknown.
via blick.ch
Initial investigations suggest incandescent candles on bottles may have caused the Crans-Montana bar fire. The Federation of Valais Municipalities has requested urgent verification of fire safety concepts across communes, and the manager of 'Le Constellation' has been prohibited from operating his second establishment.
The Crans-Montana blaze has brought Switzerland's image under scrutiny, with many investigations appearing poorly coordinated and Valais authorities' crisis communication criticized by foreign journalists. This suggests a perception of Swiss arrogance in handling the aftermath.
via swissinfo.ch
Co-owner Jessica Moretti was questioned all day by the public prosecutor's office. Investigations also revealed that only 70 seconds passed between the fire's outbreak and a flashover, engulfing the bar in flames.
New details emerged regarding the Crans-Montana bar's safety issues, specifying inspections in 2016, 2018, and 2019, and noting deficiencies like a lack of fire extinguishers.
Swiss safety inspectors had concerns about the bar for years prior to the fire, with authorities aware of health and safety issues since 2018. During questioning, co-owner Jacques Moretti asserted his innocence, while prosecutors set bail at CHF 200,000 for each co-owner, with Jessica Moretti released under alternative measures.
via swissinfo.ch·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·swissinfo.ch
Investigations suggest the fire broke out at 01:26 on January 1, 2026, likely caused by sparklers on champagne bottles igniting the ceiling. Additionally, 15 of the 38 burn victims receiving treatment abroad are Swiss nationals.
Approximately 115 people were injured in the Crans-Montana bar fire. Investigations revealed that only 70 seconds elapsed between the fire's outbreak and a flashover, rapidly engulfing the bar.
Investigations revealed the fire was ignited by sparklers and soundproofing mats, resulting in 40 deaths and 116 injuries. A critical factor in the high fatality count was that 34 victims died on a narrowed staircase, which was the only exit, and emergency exits were blocked.
Investigations revealed that sparklers on champagne bottles ignited highly flammable soundproofing mats, causing the fire to spread rapidly. Specific safety deficiencies also included a narrowed staircase.
The incident at the Crans-Montana bar was a fire that broke out after sparklers ignited soundproofing mats on the ceiling, rather than an explosion.
A report highlighted that the municipality had not installed sprinklers in the bar despite prior warnings, contributing to the severity of the fire.
As of January 19, 2026, twenty-eight people seriously injured in the Crans-Montana fire remain hospitalized in Switzerland, with others transferred to specialist rehabilitation clinics. Additionally, 38 burn victims are receiving treatment in hospitals abroad, including 15 Swiss nationals.
The local tourism sector in Crans-Montana is experiencing a wave of cancellations and reduced promotional activities following the deadly bar fire, with Italian visitors particularly affected.
Lawyers representing the Moretti couple, managers of Le Constellation bar, have publicly commented on the incident. Authorities have now identified all 40 deceased and 116 injured individuals, with half of the injured being minors.
Criticism is growing over the handling of autopsies for victims of the Crans-Montana bar fire, with lawyers highlighting the need to determine the exact cause of death. The case of a 17-year-old victim, Trystan, whose autopsy was only conducted after legal pressure, has drawn particular attention.
via swissinfo.ch
Scientists at Lausanne University Hospital are intensively working on cultivating new skin for the survivors of the Crans-Montana fire disaster. A large portion of the 116 injured, including 83 with severe burns, will require skin transplants.
via youtube.com
New revelations indicate a 24-year-old waitress, initially blamed for starting the blaze, was allegedly forced to wear a promotional crash helmet that obstructed her vision during a champagne stunt involving sparklers. This detail provides new context regarding the circumstances leading to the fire.
via youtube.com
The Crans-Montana fire has sparked questions about the effectiveness of Switzerland's federal system in crisis response, specifically regarding the cantonal handling of the investigation. Additionally, the first evacuation simulation of the nightclub fire was conducted, analyzing crowd dynamics and identifying bottlenecks.
Investigations revealed new details about safety lapses, including allegations of a narrowed staircase and locked exits. Additionally, it came to light that co-owner Jacques Moretti had a prior criminal conviction for inciting prostitution in France.
via vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the bar's managers on suspicion of manslaughter and bodily harm by negligence, with emerging lapses in oversight including the bar not having a fire-safety inspection since 2019 despite annual requirements.
via lenews.ch
A Swiss court ordered the provisional detention of Jacques Moretti, a co-owner of the Le Constellation bar, for three months on January 12. He is under criminal investigation for negligent homicide, negligent personal injury, and negligent arson.
via aa.com.tr
The Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, which recently experienced a fatal bar fire, has been selected to host the alpine ski races at the 2038 Winter Olympics. This decision was announced less than two weeks after the deadly blaze.
via theguardian.com
Bar co-owner Jacques Moretti was arrested, and he told investigators a service door had been locked from the inside. Initial findings suggest sparklers ignited soundproofing foam, while a national day of mourning and a memorial ceremony were held for the victims.
Swiss prosecutors requested the pre-trial detention of Jacques Moretti, one of the Crans-Montana bar owners, citing a 'risk of flight'. His wife and co-manager, Jessica Moretti, remains free under judicial supervision.
Surveillance images showing the bar manager potentially fleeing with cash during the fire have sparked controversy and become a focus of the investigation.
via femmeactuelle.fr
Lawyer Sébastien Fanti, representing several families of victims from the Crans-Montana bar fire, announced his intention to file a formal request for the provisional detention of the bar's managers. The fire, which occurred on New Year's Eve 2026, claimed the lives of 40 people and injured 116 others.
The owners of the Le Constellation bar have broken their silence, expressing devastation and grief over the fire. They have pledged full cooperation with the ongoing criminal investigation into involuntary manslaughter and other charges.
via swissinfo.ch
The municipality of Crans-Montana has revoked the operating license for a second establishment owned by the manager of the Le Constellation bar.
via entrevue.fr
Officials revealed that Le Constellation bar had not undergone fire safety inspections between 2020 and 2025, a fact the Crans-Montana municipality "regrets bitterly." This new information adds to the ongoing investigation into operational safety and technical standards.
via cbsnews.com
A video from New Year's 2019-2020 has surfaced, showing a server at Le Constellation bar warning customers about the danger of igniting the ceiling foam with sparklers, suggesting prior awareness of a fire hazard.
via rts.ch
A criminal investigation has been launched into the bar's two managers on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent injury, and causing a fire, with scrutiny over alleged underage entry, blocked exits, and inspection failures. There is also criticism regarding the lack of autopsies and the initial handling of the investigation by the Valais Attorney General's Office.
via aa.com.tr
A Bengal firework coming into contact with acoustic foam is reportedly being investigated as a potential cause of the fire, alongside a judicial investigation for involuntary homicide and involuntary fire focusing on the bar's operation. A technical simulation indicated the blaze became lethal within 140 seconds, and initial reports confirmed 40 fatalities and 119 injuries.
Swiss police confirmed that all 116 people injured in the Crans-Montana bar fire have been identified. More than two-thirds of the injured remain hospitalized.
via pbs.org
Swiss authorities have identified all 40 victims of the deadly New Year's Eve bar fire in Crans-Montana. The victims, aged 14 to 39, included Swiss, Italian, Romanian, French, and Turkish nationals.
via aa.com.tr
Hundreds of people participated in a silent march on January 4, 2026, to honor the victims of the bar fire. This event provided a specific detail about the memorial ceremonies held for those who died.
via pbs.org
As of January 4, at least five young people from Geneva were identified among the severely burned, and eleven patients remained hospitalized in Valais. Firefighters paid tribute to the victims, and a silent march was organized.
via rhonefm.ch
Swiss police have identified the first four victims of the Crans-Montana bar fire as two Swiss women aged 21 and 16, and two Swiss men aged 18 and 16. Their bodies have been returned to their families.
via aa.com.tr
Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the managers of Le Constellation bar, suspecting them of involuntary homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire. Police have also identified four Swiss nationals, including two minors, among the victims and returned their bodies to their families.
Investigators are now specifically examining the bar's sound-muffling ceiling material as a factor in the fire's spread, with the injury count refined to around 115-119. Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as "one of the worst tragedies" and noted that many of the victims were young people.
via pbs.org·swissinfo.ch
President Guy Parmelin announced five days of national mourning for the victims. Investigations are now focusing on operational safety and technical standards, with a sparkler being examined as a possible cause and authorities mentioning a 'Flashover' as a potential mechanism for the fire's rapid spread.
Investigations suggest that improperly installed, highly flammable insulation material contributed to the rapid spread of the Crans-Montana bar fire. This material is believed to be a key factor in the quick engulfment of the bar.
New details emerged regarding the fire's cause, specifying that sparklers ignited soundproofing mats. Additionally, concerns were raised about narrow exits, and it was reported that the municipality had not inspected the bar for six years despite annual requirements.
Authorities have officially ruled out a deliberate attack or terrorism as the cause of the explosion at Le Constellation bar. Investigations into the exact cause are ongoing.
via vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
Police updated the casualty count to dozens dead and over 100 injured. Authorities have ruled out a deliberate attack, and the flags at the Bundeshaus will be flown at half-mast for five days in response to the tragedy.
via vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
Police confirmed that at least 10 people were killed and 10 injured in the incident, which involved an explosion and subsequent fire. Authorities now state the cause of the explosion remains undetermined, revising an earlier report that cited a 'flashover'.
via hindustantimes.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·hindustantimes.com
Authorities reported that the explosion was caused by a 'flashover' and that many of the victims were international tourists. The immediate priority for authorities is to identify the victims.
via srf.ch·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
Police confirmed that casualty figures are provisional as victim identification continues, and authorities mobilized 150 responders, 42 ambulances, and 13 helicopters. The incident is not being treated as terror-related.
via vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
The confirmed death toll from the incident has risen to at least 47 fatalities. Authorities also established a cordoned-off area and a no-fly zone as part of the emergency response.
The bar where the incident occurred was identified as Le Constellation. Cantonal police commander Frédéric Gisler announced that approximately 115 people were injured, and the explosion was likely a consequence of the fire, not its cause. A 'state of particular situation' has been decreed, and the public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation.
The incident occurred around 1:30 AM CET, with witnesses reporting a sparkler on a Champagne bottle may have ignited the wooden ceiling. Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the tragedy as "one of the worst our country has ever experienced."
via vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·en.wikipedia.org·planetski.eu
Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced that flags would be flown at half-mast for five days in mourning. The Italian Foreign Ministry estimated approximately 40 fatalities, and authorities have ruled out arson as a cause, with eyewitnesses reporting a barmaid holding a lit candle.
via aa.com.tr·indianexpress.com·cbsnews.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com
A reception center and helpline were established for affected families seeking information about victims.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·express.co.uk·rnz.co.nz·bluewin.ch
Police stated that the cause of the explosion was unknown and an investigation was launched, ruling out a terrorist attack.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·express.co.uk·rnz.co.nz·bluewin.ch
Hospitals in Sion and Geneva, as well as national burn treatment centers in Lausanne and Zurich, received an influx of patients, with some intensive care units reaching full capacity.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·express.co.uk·rnz.co.nz·bluewin.ch
Swiss authorities declared a state of emergency, cordoned off the affected area, and imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana to facilitate rescue operations.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·express.co.uk·rnz.co.nz·bluewin.ch
Initial reports confirmed multiple fatalities and around 100 injuries, many severe, with some victims suffering extensive burns.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·express.co.uk·rnz.co.nz·bluewin.ch
Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and numerous ambulances and helicopters, were immediately deployed to the scene.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·express.co.uk·rnz.co.nz·bluewin.ch
Around 1:30 AM CET, an explosion and fire occurred at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, where approximately 100 people were celebrating New Year's Eve.
via en.wikipedia.org·theguardian.com·express.co.uk·rnz.co.nz·bluewin.ch
Story began · 2 months ago