MILAN, Lombardy, Italy – Three days after a horrific fire engulfed the ‘Le Constellation’ bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, claiming the lives of 40 young New Year’s Eve revelers and injuring 119 others, the owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, have been formally accused of negligent homicide, injuries, and arson. The tragedy has exposed a litany of alleged safety failures, raising serious questions about the establishment’s compliance with regulations and the oversight of local authorities.
The Devastating Night: A Chain of Failures
The inferno, which started at 1:30 AM in the basement, rapidly consumed the popular bar, trapping hundreds of mostly underage patrons. Investigators are focusing on several critical aspects:
- Sparkler Fountains and Flammable Materials: The fire is believed to have been ignited by sparkler fountains used in champagne bottles, which, when agitated, reached a low ceiling covered in synthetic, spikey material intended to absorb music echo. Videos from the scene suggest this material caught fire with alarming ease, leading to suspicions about its fire-retardant properties.
- Non-Functional Fire Suppression Systems: Despite the rapid spread of smoke and flames, eyewitness videos indicate that the fire suppression system, which should have been present, failed to activate.
- Overcrowding and Unsuitable Venue: The investigation will determine if the bar exceeded its capacity of 340 people across its outdoor area, ground floor, and basement. Furthermore, the establishment’s social purpose does not mention its use as a dance hall, yet dancing was clearly taking place.
- Narrow Staircase as Sole Escape Route: A critical point of concern is the narrow staircase, reportedly reduced in width during a past renovation, which served as the primary escape route from the basement. This bottleneck, combined with panic, contributed to the high number of casualties.
- Lack of Adult Supervision: The presence of hundreds of intoxicated individuals under the age of 17 (Swiss law allows wine and champagne service to those over 16) without adequate adult supervision is also under scrutiny.
The Morettis’ Defense and Official Response
Jacques and Jessica Moretti, French citizens who have owned the ‘Le Constellation’ since November 3, 2015, are reportedly devastated by the tragedy. While initially questioned as witnesses, they are now formally under investigation. Mr. Moretti has stated to the Swiss press that all regulations were respected. A family source claims the staircase met safety standards and that a basement emergency exit existed, though its effectiveness is questioned given the number of victims.
Beatrice Pilloud, the Attorney General of the Canton of Valais, confirmed the presence of an emergency exit but did not comment on its usability. She emphasized that “all avenues are being explored, none will be overlooked.”
Scrutiny on Municipal Controls
Another critical chapter in this investigation concerns the past inspections of ‘Le Constellation’ by the municipal administration. Pilloud stated that documentation regarding these checks is “currently under analysis.” Nicolas Féraud, president of the municipal council, expressed confidence in the past controls to the Swiss TV channel RTS, but conceded that “this disaster calls into question” the “regulations on the control of public establishments.”
Expert Opinions and the Broader Implications
This tragedy draws parallels with other historical fires that led to significant changes in public safety regulations. The investigation will delve into whether the bar’s environment, furnishings, and overall setup adhered to Switzerland’s stringent public venue safety standards.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a wider discussion on the responsibility of venue owners and the effectiveness of regulatory bodies in ensuring public safety, particularly in establishments frequented by young people. The Niguarda hospital in Milan is reportedly preparing to handle casualties from Crans-Montana, and the DNA of 16-year-old Kean from Milan, hospitalized in a coma in Zurich, has been identified, with confirmation awaited for his friend Leonardo. The mounting of panels and the narrowed staircase during a 2015 renovation are also being examined as factors that may have transformed ‘Le Constellation’ into a death trap.
What Happens Next?
The federal prosecutor’s office in Sion is tasked with uncovering the full truth behind this tragic event. The Milan community mourns the victims, with friends and family gathering at the funeral home for Achille Barosi, whose body was brought to the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio. The investigation is expected to be lengthy and complex, involving extensive technical and scientific analyses to determine precisely why every safety system failed on what became Switzerland’s most tragic New Year’s Eve.
Source: [corriere.it](https://milano.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_gennaio_04/crans-montana-indagati-titolari-538a9f3f-44f0-4ad5-8478-ec214de4bxlk.shtml)
