A fire broke out early this morning at a memorial in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, dedicated to the victims of the nightclub tragedy. The Valais cantonal police reported the incident, which occurred around local time, on Rue Centrale.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities confirmed that firefighters quickly extinguished the flames and the operation has been completed. A police spokesperson stated that, at present, no information regarding the cause of the fire can be released. Forensic police have been dispatched to the scene.
The memorial commemorates the 41 people who died and 115 others who were injured in a fire at the Le Constellation bar during New Year’s celebrations. The tragedy, which unfolded in the popular ski resort town, prompted a criminal investigation into the bar’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, a French couple, on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and arson by negligence.
The initial fire at Le Constellation, which occurred just after midnight on , is believed to have been ignited by sparkling candles atop champagne bottles that came too close to soundproofing material on the ceiling. Investigators are examining whether the soundproofing material met safety regulations and whether the use of candles was permitted within the establishment. Fire safety inspections at the bar had not been conducted since .
The scale of the disaster overwhelmed local intensive care units in the Valais canton, forcing authorities to transport critically injured victims to hospitals in other parts of Switzerland. The tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief and a national conversation about fire safety regulations in public venues.
In the wake of the January fire, lawyer Romain Jordan launched an online platform to collect eyewitness accounts, pictures, and videos related to the incident. The platform aims to assist investigators in piecing together the events of that night and understanding the circumstances that led to the high number of casualties. Jordan, representing several families of the victims, emphasized that the initiative is intended to support, not replace, the official investigation.
The investigation into the Le Constellation fire is focusing on several key areas, including the functionality of escape routes within the bar and potential negligence on the part of the owners. Jacques Moretti was initially detained for three months but was later released on bail in . Swiss prosecutors have stated they will provide no further information on the status of the investigation.
The fire at the memorial represents a further emotional blow to a community still reeling from the loss of life at Le Constellation. The incident underscores the lingering trauma and the ongoing need for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The Valais cantonal police have not indicated whether they suspect any connection between the two fires, but the proximity of the memorial to the site of the original tragedy will inevitably raise questions.
The tragedy at Le Constellation has also prompted scrutiny of fire safety standards across Switzerland, with calls for stricter regulations and more frequent inspections of public venues. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate safety measures and the importance of vigilance in preventing similar disasters.
The Swiss public prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal investigation into the owners of Le Constellation, and the investigation is ongoing. The incident has drawn international attention, highlighting the vulnerability of popular tourist destinations to unforeseen tragedies and the importance of robust safety protocols.
