> At a Glance
> – Jacques Moretti, owner of Le Constellation bar, was arrested Jan. 9 for alleged safety lapses
> – 40 people died and 116 were injured in the Jan. 1, 2026 blaze that started when ceiling foam ignited from candles
> – No fire inspections were conducted at the bar between 2020-2025, officials confirm
> – Why it matters: The arrest signals potential criminal accountability for Switzerland’s deadliest nightclub fire in decades
A New Year’s celebration turned deadly when fire swept through Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40-mostly teenagers-and injuring 116 more. Bar owner Jacques Moretti, 49, was taken into custody Jan. 9 after prosecutors concluded he posed a flight risk.
The Fire & Immediate Aftermath
Flames erupted around 1:30 a.m., reportedly sparked by candles that set the bar’s foam ceiling ablaze. Within minutes, the packed venue became a death trap.
- 40 fatalities, largely local youths
- 116 people treated for injuries
- Witnesses described chaotic scenes as patrons rushed for exits
Legal Fallout
Swiss prosecutors charged both Jacques and Jessica Moretti with:
- Manslaughter by negligence
- Bodily harm by negligence
- Arson by negligence
While Jacques was ordered held, Jessica was released after the couple’s day-long hearing. Speaking to reporters, she said:
> “My thoughts are constantly with the victims. It’s an unimaginable tragedy; it happened in our institution, and I want to apologize.”
Safety Lapses Uncovered
Officials admit Le Constellation had evaded fire inspections for years:
| Period | Fire Inspections |
|---|---|
| 2020-2025 | None |
| Prior | Routine every 2 years |
Nicolas Féraud, head of Crans-Montana’s municipal government, stated:
> “Periodic checks were not carried out between 2020 and 2025. We regret this bitterly. We owe it to the families, and we will accept responsibility.”
Families of victims have filed multiple legal complaints, intensifying pressure on local authorities.
Community Response
Across Switzerland, candlelight vigils and marches honor the dead. Flowers now ring the charred building, and national leaders vow reform.
> “This evening should have been a moment of celebration, but it turned into a nightmare felt across the country and beyond,” State Councillor Mathias Reynard said.
Key Takeaways
- The fire is Switzerland’s deadliest nightclub disaster in modern history
- Negligence charges focus on ignored safety inspections and flammable building materials
- Municipal government accepts partial blame for inspection failures
- Victims’ relatives are pursuing civil actions alongside the criminal case
Moretti’s arrest marks a pivotal moment as investigators determine who bears responsibility for the tragedy that shattered a small alpine community.
