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Crans-Montana Bar Fire Death Toll Rises to 41 as Inquiry Faces New Scrutiny

Families press for answers after lost city surveillance footage complicated the evidence trail.

Overview

  • An 18-year-old Swiss victim died on January 31 in Zurich, bringing the toll to 41 dead and 115 injured one month after the New Year’s blaze at Le Constellation.
  • Local police confirmed municipal CCTV from the night was auto-erased after seven days despite repeated prosecutor requests, intensifying concerns about missing evidence.
  • Preliminary findings indicate sparkling fountain candles ignited soundproofing foam on the basement ceiling, with many victims teenagers or young adults.
  • Bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti remain under investigation for negligent homicide, bodily harm and arson, and two communal security officials are now implicated over missed safety checks since 2019.
  • Hundreds joined a silent march in Lutry calling for “justice and truth,” as dozens of the injured remain hospitalized across Switzerland and neighboring countries, and Pope Leon XIV sent a message of support.