Swiss Officials Face Criminal Charges Over Nightclub Fire That Killed 40

Criminal Case Launched Following Constellation Bar Fire

According to Главком: Swiss prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation targeting officials from the municipality of Crans-Montana in connection with a deadly New Year's Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar. The blaze resulted in 40 fatalities and left more than 110 people injured. This type of legal action against public officials for alleged safety failures is a significant development in Switzerland. Investigators have begun questioning the head of the city's public safety service and a former official responsible for fire safety oversight.

The bar's owners, French nationals Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are also suspects in the case. They face allegations of involuntary manslaughter, causing bodily harm, and arson through negligence. The fire erupted in the overcrowded basement venue after patrons used sparklers attached to champagne bottles, holding them too close to a ceiling lined with soundproofing foam, which ignited rapidly.

Incident Details and Ongoing Fallout

Reports indicate the Le Constellation bar had not undergone its mandatory annual fire safety inspections since 2019. The tragedy occurred at approximately 1:30 AM local time when the venue was packed with over 100 people. Police have dismissed rumors that the fire was the result of a terrorist act. The bar owner has been released from custody after posting bail. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to piece together the full sequence of events.

This tragedy underscores the critical importance of adhering to fire safety regulations, particularly in venues that host large crowds.

The absence of regular inspections can have fatal consequences, as demonstrated by the Le Constellation bar fire. With the opening of the criminal case, public scrutiny now focuses on the accountability of both the establishment's owners and the local authorities who failed to ensure proper enforcement of safety codes.