Deadly Fire at Swiss Ski Resort Bar
The owner of a Swiss bar where a deadly fire broke out has been released on bail. The fire occurred in the early hours of New Year's Day at the Le Constellation bar, located in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. The tragedy resulted in 40 fatalities and left over 100 people injured, many of whom were teenagers. Some of the victims are being treated for severe burns in hospitals across several European countries. This incident is one of the deadliest nightclub fires in Switzerland's recent history.
Authorities arrested the bar's owner, Jacques Moretti, on January 9. A court has since released him on bail set at 200,000 Swiss francs, with the condition that he must report to police daily. His wife and co-owner of the bar, Jessica Moretti, is also under investigation. The couple faces potential charges of negligent homicide and violations of safety regulations.
Investigation Details
Among the deceased were six Italian nationals, with a further ten Italians injured. The incident happened at approximately 01:30 local time (around 02:30 Kyiv time) when the bar was crowded with over 100 people. Police have ruled out terrorism, confirming that the explosion was caused by pyrotechnics used inside the venue itself.
The public prosecutor's office has conducted searches, seized evidence, and frozen some of the owners' assets. The owners were questioned during two lengthy hearings. Expressing her concern, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the situation is an 'insult to the memory of the victims and their families'.
The situation is an 'insult to the memory of the victims and their families'.
Giorgia Meloni
The tragedy in Crans-Montana underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety rules in public venues, especially during celebrations when visitor numbers surge. Swiss authorities and the international community are closely monitoring the case's development, as such incidents can have profound consequences for both the victims and the region's tourism industry.