Swiss Authorities Probe Sparklers and Foam in Crans-Montana Bar Fire That Killed 40
CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — Investigators examining one of Switzerland’s deadliest modern fires are focusing on a tragic intersection of celebration and safety: sparkler candles on New Year’s champagne and highly flammable acoustic foam lining the ceiling of a packed alpine nightclub.
The blaze at the “Le Constellation” bar in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana erupted in the first minutes of 2026. Valais cantonal police have confirmed 40 people died and 119 were injured in the fast-moving fire that filled the venue with thick, toxic smoke.
In a somber update on Sunday, police announced they had formally identified 113 of the victims. The latest group of names underscored the tragedy’s impact on the young; it included a 14-year-old Swiss girl, and a majority of those identified that day were under 18. The victims come from across Europe, including Switzerland, Italy, France, Romania, and Turkey, reflecting the international draw of the popular winter destination.
A Criminal Investigation Targets Bar Management
The scale of the loss has prompted a swift criminal investigation. The Public Prosecutor’s Office for the canton of Valais has confirmed it has opened a case targeting the bar’s two managers, a French couple widely named in official communications and Swiss media as Jacques and Jessica Moretti.
They are under investigation for suspected manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Swiss authorities emphasize that this is a preliminary investigation and does not constitute a formal charge or determination of guilt.
The Likely Sequence of a Tragedy
According to the Valais police’s initial forensic report, the prime suspect is a common festive item: handheld sparkler candles often placed in champagne bottles for celebrations.
“Based on the current state of the investigation, it is suspected that sparkler candles on bottles were carried through the premises and came into contact with the ceiling,” a police statement read.
This ignition source, investigators believe, then set fire to the ceiling’s acoustic foam panels—a material often used for soundproofing but one that can be highly combustible if not treated with proper fire retardants. The combination appears to have created a perfect storm, allowing flames to race across the ceiling with terrifying speed, trapping partygoers in a panicked rush for the exits.
The full investigation will now scrutinize the specific fire rating of the installed foam, the building’s compliance with all safety codes, the validity of its permits, and the adequacy of its emergency exits.
A Community Walks in Silence
On Sunday afternoon, the stark contrast between the vibrant resort and its current grief was on full display. Hundreds of mourners, wrapped against the cold, gathered for a memorial mass at the Chapelle St-Christophe. Following the service, they walked in a silent, solemn procession through the quiet streets to the charred remains of the bar.
There, an impromptu memorial continues to grow—a mound of flowers, handwritten notes in multiple languages, candles, and stuffed animals that speaks to the many young lives lost.
Official Sources and Ongoing Reporting
This report is based on official news releases, press conference statements, and direct communications from the Valais Cantonal Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Valais. All casualty figures, investigative details, and procedural information are attributed to these primary Swiss authorities.
The investigation remains active. Further updates on the cause, compliance review, and any potential charges are expected from the Valais prosecutor’s office in the coming weeks.
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Image Caption: The burnt-out shell of the “Le Constellation” bar in Crans-Montana, following the deadly fire on January 1, 2026. (Credit: Valais Cantonal Police, via Official Release)
Filed Under: Breaking News, Europe, Switzerland, Investigations
Tags: Crans-Montana, Le Constellation Bar Fire, Valais Police, Swiss Fire Investigation, New Year’s Eve Tragedy, Fire Safety, Acoustic Foam Hazard
