Swiss investigators are continuing an extensive criminal inquiry into one of the country’s deadliest nightclub fires in recent history, following devastating allegations surrounding the management of Le Constellation bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana.
The New Year’s Eve inferno claimed the lives of 40 people and left more than 100 others injured, many with severe burns.
At the center of the investigation is Jessica Moretti, the bar’s manager and co-owner, who jointly runs the venue with her husband, Jacques Moretti.
Swiss prosecutors have confirmed that both are under formal criminal investigation on suspicion of homicide by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
Authorities are also examining whether additional charges, including failure to assist people in danger, may be applicable.
Several European media outlets have reported allegations that, as flames rapidly engulfed the basement venue, Ms Moretti was seen fleeing the building carrying the bar’s cash register.
According to these reports, dozens of patrons were attempting to escape the smoke-filled venue when the fire spread within minutes.
Prosecutors have not yet publicly confirmed these claims, but they are understood to be part of the evidence under review, including CCTV footage from the premises.
Families of victims have since filed formal legal complaints with the Swiss prosecutor’s office.
Geneva-based lawyer Romain Jordan, who represents several families, confirmed that the complaints have been accepted and that the families have joined proceedings as civil plaintiffs.
He stated that the action targets “all those responsible, without exception,” underscoring the breadth of the investigation.
Authorities are also looking into claims that potential evidence may have been compromised in the immediate aftermath of the fire.
Investigators are reviewing the temporary suspension of the bar’s social media accounts during rescue operations, as well as past renovation work carried out in 2015.
The probe will assess whether safety standards were met, including the availability and accessibility of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and other firefighting equipment.
A former employee has alleged that an emergency exit was routinely locked, a claim that remains under investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been triggered by “fountain candle” sparklers being used indoors during New Year celebrations.
Prosecutors have said the sparklers were reportedly held too close to the ceiling, causing a rapid “flashover” — a phenomenon in which all combustible materials in a confined space ignite almost simultaneously.
Witnesses described how the fire spread through the basement nightclub in a matter of minutes, leaving many with little chance to escape.
Police have now formally identified all 40 victims, whose ages ranged from 14 to 39.
More than half of those who died were teenagers, highlighting the scale of the tragedy.
Among the victims were Swiss, French, Italian, and other European nationals, reflecting the international nature of the resort.
The loss of young lives has deeply shaken communities across Switzerland and beyond.
One of the victims, 15-year-old Charlotte Niddam, had been reported missing before her death was confirmed by her family.
In a statement shared publicly, her relatives expressed profound grief and thanked supporters for their messages during the search.
Other victims included promising athletes and staff members who reportedly helped others escape the flames.
In response to the disaster, Switzerland is set to observe a national day of mourning.
Thousands of mourners have already gathered in Crans-Montana, attending memorial services and silent processions through the resort.
Flags have flown at half-mast as communities come together to honor the victims and support the injured and bereaved.
As the investigation continues, Swiss authorities have emphasized that determining responsibility will take time and careful examination of all evidence.
For now, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the tragedy and ensuring accountability, while a nation mourns the lives lost in a catastrophic start to the new year.