Instead of celebrating the New Year with cheer and joy, the people of Crans-Montana, Switzerland were in mourning after a deadly fire broke out in a bar at a resort. The bar, Le Constellation, was packed with people—mostly teenagers and those in their 20s—when the fire broke out at 1:30 in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Over 40 people died in the fire, and 116 were injured. The cause of the fire is unknown. However, authorities say that it was likely caused by sparklers that were placed too close to the ceiling which subsequently resulted in it catching fire.
Le Constellation is a large bar that has been around for years—it could accommodate 300 people. The bar had two levels: the ground floor, which was an area with TV screens to watch football matches, and the basement, where the drinking and dancing occurred. The two floors were connected by a flight of stairs.
Images taken around the time the fire started were released, showing lit sparklers attached and held near the ceiling where flames seemed to be catching. The fire quickly spread due to the highly flammable soundproofing foam that covered the ceiling. Based on the photos released, experts have said that the insulation panels were cheap and had not been laid properly. The staircase was also narrow, making it difficult for victims to escape the premises.
Investigation has been ongoing, especially regarding the bar’s safety compliance after the owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, took over the bar and renovated it in 2015. During the renovation, the staircase, which was the only accessible exit, was made narrower. It was also when the soundproofing foam was installed. It has been revealed that the bar has not had a safety inspection since 2019, despite being required by local law. Currently, both owners are under investigation for manslaughter through negligence. Jacques was placed in pre-trial detention on January ninth.
This incident highlights the importance of fire safety and regulation, as well as routine inspections. Flammable materials, overcrowding, and a lack of emergency exits can transform what appears to be a small fire into a deadly disaster within minutes. Many deaths could have been prevented if safety codes had been followed. As a school, regular fire drills, clearly marked exits, and adherence to safety codes are essential to prevent fire hazards from becoming a reality. Being aware of emergency procedures and safety measures will help ensure that CA remains a safe environment for everyone.