Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Crans‑Montana Bar Will Become Youth Centre as New Probe Targets Rescue Response

Cantonal authorities pledged a memorial and site conversion, with prosecutors opening a fresh inquiry into delays and errors in the night‑time rescue and medical response.

Overview

  • On New Year’s Eve in the bar Le Constellation a blaze raced through the basement in about 92 seconds, leaving 41 people dead and 115 injured.
  • Investigators say bottle‑mounted fireworks fountains likely ignited acoustic foam on the ceiling and that mandated municipal fire checks had not been carried out since 2019.
  • Criminal investigations into owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti continue for suspected negligent homicide, bodily harm and arson, and prosecutors are also probing a disputed 2015 foam invoice.
  • Prosecutors opened a new procedure to examine the rescue and medical response after multiple victims and lawyers reported that some burn patients waited hours for treatment.
  • The canton plans to convert the Le Constellation site into a youth centre and build a public memorial, while victims’ families press petitions and cross‑border legal actions to prevent other Moretti venues from reopening.