Switzerland Fire: Memorial for New Year’s Tragedy Re-Ignites – Investigation Launched

A memorial dedicated to the victims of the New Year’s Day fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, was itself damaged by fire early this morning, police confirmed. The incident, which occurred around 6:00 AM Central European Time (5:00 AM Irish time), is under investigation.

The original fire, which erupted at the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort town on January 1st, claimed the lives of 41 people and injured 115 others, many of them teenagers and young adults. The tragedy shocked Switzerland and prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance.

The makeshift memorial, initially erected near the burned-out remains of the bar, had recently been relocated to a nearby area. Despite this precaution, the memorial – comprised of flowers, candles, and messages of condolence – was partially damaged when it caught alight. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze, according to a statement released by the Wallis police on X (formerly Twitter).

Images broadcast by Swiss public broadcaster RTS showed the blackened remains of the tarpaulin covering the memorial, visible behind police tape and a protective screen. The incident raises further questions about security and the emotional impact of the disaster on the community.

The victims of the New Year’s fire ranged in age from 14 to 39, with the majority being in their teens. Only four of those who perished were over the age of 24, highlighting the particularly devastating impact on younger generations.

Swiss prosecutors believe the initial fire was sparked when champagne bottles fitted with sparklers were raised by revellers, bringing the flames into contact with soundproofing foam on the bar’s ceiling. This theory, while currently the leading line of inquiry, remains under investigation.

A criminal investigation is currently underway, focusing on four individuals: the bar’s co-owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti; the current head of public safety for the Crans-Montana municipality; and a former fire safety officer for the resort. Jacques Moretti was initially held in pretrial detention for three months but was released on bail on January 23rd.

The investigation is examining whether the soundproofing material used in the bar met safety regulations and whether the use of sparklers was permitted within the premises. Reports indicate that fire safety inspections at Le Constellation had not been conducted since 2019.

The tragedy has prompted a national conversation in Switzerland about fire safety regulations, particularly in venues that host large gatherings. The incident also underscores the potential dangers associated with the use of pyrotechnics, even in celebratory settings.

On January 9th, Switzerland observed a national day of mourning in memory of the victims. The scale of the disaster necessitated the transfer of critically injured patients to hospitals across Switzerland and in neighboring European countries, as intensive care units in the Valais region reached full capacity.

The incident at the memorial comes as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the fire at Le Constellation. The investigation is expected to be complex and lengthy, with officials seeking to determine whether negligence or violations of safety regulations contributed to the tragedy. An Australian national was among the more than 100 people injured in the fire.

The parents of a 16-year-old, Arthur Brodard, who remains missing following the fire, have expressed continued hope for his safe return. The Brodard family, from Lausanne, had been staying in Crans-Montana, where they own a holiday home, and Arthur was celebrating New Year’s Eve with a group of friends at Le Constellation.

The latest incident, the fire at the memorial, serves as a stark reminder of the enduring pain and grief felt by the community in Crans-Montana. It also highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and a thorough investigation to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.