The owners of Le Constellation bar, where a deadly New Year's Eve fire claimed 40 lives on January 1, 2026, have broken their silence, insisting that all safety regulations were followed at the popular ski resort venue. Jacques Moretti, who manages the bar with his wife, Jessica, told Swiss media outlet Tribune de Geneve that the establishment had undergone three inspections over the past 10 years. He stressed that "everything was done according to the regulations," adding that he and his wife were deeply distraught and unable to eat or sleep since the tragedy. The couple, originally from Corsica and the French Riviera, have vowed full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
The fire erupted in the basement of the bar during a crowded New Year's celebration, with preliminary findings pointing to sparklers or Bengal candles waved too close to the low, foam-insulated ceiling as the likely ignition source. Mobile phone footage shared online shows the flammable soundproofing material catching fire while partygoers continued dancing, initially unaware of the danger. Chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud confirmed that the application and compliance of safety standards remain central to the probe, including whether the foam used was permitted under regulations. The Morettis have been questioned as witnesses, with no liability established at this stage.
Jessica Moretti was present at the bar during the disaster and suffered minor injuries but was able to return home afterward. Jacques Moretti, who was at one of the couple's other establishments at the time, expressed profound grief and emphasized their commitment to assisting authorities in clarifying the cause of the blaze. The bar, located on the ground floor of a residential building, had a listed capacity of 300 people plus an additional 40 on its terrace, though the exact number present at the time of the fire remains unconfirmed.
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The tragedy has left the resort town in mourning, with survivors and families enduring an agonizing wait for identification and updates. Most of the 119 injured suffered severe burns, inhalation injuries, fractures, and smoke-related complications, overwhelming local hospitals and requiring transfers to specialized burn units in neighboring countries. The incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms in entertainment venues, particularly those using flammable materials and hosting large crowds during peak festive periods.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine whether safety protocols were adequately applied and enforced. The Morettis' public statement reflects the emotional toll on those directly involved, while the community grapples with the scale of the loss. The fire stands as one of the deadliest in recent Swiss history, prompting widespread reflection on venue safety and emergency preparedness during celebrations.
The sorrow in Crans-Montana serves as a grim reminder that even brief moments of negligence can lead to catastrophic consequences. With the probe ongoing, the focus remains on supporting grieving families, treating the injured, and ensuring lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies in Switzerland's popular ski destinations.
Also Read: Swiss Authorities Say Sparklers Caused Crans-Montana Bar Fire During New Year Party