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Switzerland's deadly bar fire claims 40 lives and leaves many injured

Jan 17, 2026, 5:04 AM30
(Update: Jan 20, 2026, 11:17 PM)
country in Central Europe

Switzerland's deadly bar fire claims 40 lives and leaves many injured

  • On January 1, a fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, resulted in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries.
  • Lawyers representing the victims' families criticized the absence of routine autopsies and called for clarity on the cause of death.
  • The tragic incident has brought to light significant safety concerns related to the bar and the owners' responsibilities.
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In Switzerland, a devastating fire occurred on January 1, killing 40 individuals and injuring 116 at a bar known as Le Constellation in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana. The victims included many teenagers, with eight of them under the age of 16. As the fire broke out during New Year celebrations, chaos ensued as patrons attempted to escape the smoke and flames. Many victims were trapped, with 34 bodies found piled at the bottom of a staircase leading to the exit. The tragedy has raised serious questions about safety measures in place at the venue, particularly concerning flammable materials used in construction. In the aftermath of this tragic incident, lawyers representing the victims' families expressed bewilderment that routine autopsies were not performed to determine the precise causes of death. Autopsies in Switzerland are mandated by the public prosecutor's office, and the lack thereof has raised concerns about the potential need for exhumation of some bodies. Reports indicated that none of the six Italian victims, as well as other victims, underwent post-mortems before their funerals took place. This situation raises ethical and legal implications regarding the handling of the deceased following such a catastrophic event. The Moretti couple, owners of Le Constellation, have been criticized in the media for their role in the tragedy. Their lawyers defended them against allegations of negligence and emphasized their lack of awareness regarding any dangers present in their establishment. The allegations include false claims about the couple’s conduct during the fire, including the narrative that Jessica Moretti left the scene hurriedly. The Morettis expressed their devastation over the event, indicating their intention to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and clear their names. Investigations by local authorities are underway to establish the cause of the fire, suspected to have started due to sparklers used with champagne bottles igniting flammable sound insulation foam on the bar's ceiling. This inquiry will examine various factors including the compliance of materials used in construction with safety standards, the adequacy and accessibility of emergency exits, and the availability of fire extinguishers at the venue. The tragedy has not only affected the families of the deceased but has also raised broader concerns about public safety regulations in similar entertainment venues across Switzerland.

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