Bar Owner Speaks After Deadly Fire in Swiss Ski Resort
Crans-Montana was struck by tragedy during New Year celebrations after a devastating fire at a popular bar claimed the lives of 40 people and left more than 100 others injured. In the days following the incident, the owner of the bar has spoken publicly for the first time, describing shock, grief and cooperation with investigators.
The fire broke out at Le Constellation, a well-known venue in the Alpine resort that was crowded with guests celebrating the arrival of the new year. What began as a festive night quickly turned into one of the deadliest incidents the resort has experienced in recent years.
“We Can’t Eat or Sleep,” Says Owner
Jacques Moretti, a French national who owns the bar with his wife Jessica, said the tragedy has deeply affected their lives. Speaking to Swiss newspaper Tribune de Genève, Moretti said the couple remains in a state of distress as they try to come to terms with the loss of life.
He said everything at the venue appeared to be running normally before the incident. Moretti was not present at the bar when the fire started, but his wife was inside at the time. She sustained minor injuries and has since been discharged from medical care.
According to Moretti, the emotional impact has been overwhelming. He said the couple has struggled to eat or sleep since the incident and remains focused on assisting authorities as they work to establish exactly what went wrong.
Safety Checks Conducted Over the Years
Moretti also addressed questions about safety standards at the bar. He said the venue had undergone inspections on multiple occasions over the past decade and had complied with regulations. He added that the couple is fully cooperating with investigators and is awaiting official conclusions regarding the cause of the fire.
Authorities have not yet released a final report, and officials say it is too early to draw definitive conclusions.
How the Fire Spread
Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated in the basement of the bar and spread rapidly upward. Early reports indicate that decorative “fountain candles” attached to champagne bottles may have ignited flammable materials near the ceiling.
Witnesses said the flames spread within seconds, leaving many guests with little time to react. Thick smoke quickly filled enclosed areas of the venue, complicating evacuation efforts.
Investigators are examining whether the use of indoor pyrotechnic-style decorations complied with safety rules and whether additional safeguards could have prevented the rapid spread of fire.
Crowd Size and Exit Challenges
Le Constellation had been operating since 2015 under Moretti and his wife. According to information published on Crans-Montana’s official tourism website, the bar’s ground floor could accommodate around 300 people, with additional seating available on an upper level.
Several witnesses told local media that the main exit from the ground floor led through a narrow stairway. During the emergency, this created congestion as large numbers of people attempted to leave simultaneously. Emergency responders said this bottleneck may have contributed to the high number of fatalities.
National Mourning and Ongoing Investigation
The scale of the tragedy has sent shockwaves across Switzerland and beyond, with messages of condolence pouring in from officials and members of the public. Local authorities have declared a period of mourning, and support services have been offered to survivors and families of the victims.
Fire investigators, building safety experts and prosecutors are continuing their inquiry. Officials say they will examine crowd management, fire safety systems and the use of decorative effects inside the venue.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on determining responsibility and preventing similar incidents in the future. Authorities have urged patience and caution against speculation until the inquiry is complete.
For Jacques Moretti and his wife, the days ahead are expected to be difficult. In his remarks, Moretti said his thoughts remain with the victims and their families, adding that nothing can undo the loss but that full transparency is essential as the truth comes to light.