10-01-2026

Swiss Ski Resort Bar Fire Kills 40

Date: 10-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 2 | cbsnews.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 1
Image for cluster 1
Image Prompt:

Devastated crowd gathered outside the Crans-Montana ski resort, with emergency responders in the background, documentary photography style, 35mm lens, natural lighting with a hint of somber gray-blue color palette, capturing the shock and outrage of the onlookers, with a mix of rescue vehicles and media vans in the scene.

Summary

A devastating fire at a ski resort bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Eve resulted in 40 deaths and 116 injuries, sparking widespread anger and calls for accountability. The incident has raised questions about the country's devolved system of government and its ability to ensure public safety, with many demanding reforms and greater accountability.

Key Points

  • The bar, Le Constellation, had not been inspected since 2019
  • Co-owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti have been detained and face charges of manslaughter by negligence and arson by negligence
  • The investigation revealed a series of safety violations, including the bar's failure to undergo mandatory safety checks for five years

Articles in this Cluster

Anger at Swiss ski bar resort at failure to protect people

A devastating fire at a ski resort bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Eve resulted in the deaths of 40 young people and injured 116 others. The incident has sparked widespread anger and soul-searching among the Swiss public, who are questioning the country's devolved system of government and its ability to ensure public safety. The mayor of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Feraud, revealed that the bar had not been inspected since 2019, and only 40 out of 128 bars and restaurants in the area had been inspected in 2025. The lack of fire safety checks has been attributed to a shortage of inspectors, but many are calling for greater accountability and reforms to the system. The incident has damaged Switzerland's reputation for safety and stability, and there are demands for those responsible to be held accountable.
Entities: Crans-Montana, Switzerland, Nicolas Feraud, Le Constellation bar, ValaisTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

'It was apocalyptic', woman tells Crans-Montana memorial service, as bar owner detained

A memorial service was held in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, to honor the 40 young people killed in a New Year's Eve fire at the 'Le Constellation' bar. The service was attended by relatives of the victims, survivors, and high-profile guests including the presidents of France and Italy. The bar's co-owner, Jacques Moretti, was detained by Swiss prosecutors, who suspect him and his wife Jessica of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The investigation revealed a series of safety violations, including the bar's failure to undergo mandatory safety checks for five years. The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, with many questioning how such a disaster could have occurred.
Entities: Crans-Montana, Switzerland, Le Constellation, Jacques Moretti, Jessica MorettiTone: emotionalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Co-owner of Swiss ski resort bar hit by deadly New Year party fire held in custody - CBS News

The co-owner of a Swiss bar where a deadly fire occurred during a New Year's celebration has been detained by authorities. Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, was held in custody after being interviewed by prosecutors. His wife, Jessica Moretti, was allowed to remain free under judicial supervision. The couple faces charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The fire killed 40 people, mostly teenagers, and injured 116. Switzerland observed a national day of mourning to honor the victims. Many people traveled to Crans-Montana to pay their respects and participate in memorial ceremonies.
Entities: Jacques Moretti, Jessica Moretti, Le Constellation bar, Crans-Montana, SwitzerlandTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Swiss bar owners detained as investigation into deadly New Year fire continues | World News | Sky News

The owners of a Swiss bar, Le Constellation, where 40 people died in a fire on New Year's Day, have been detained as part of an ongoing investigation. Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the co-owners, are suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm, and involuntarily causing a fire. The fire injured 116 people, mostly teenagers. The couple has expressed grief and apologized to the victims and their families. The investigation is ongoing, and the mayor of Crans-Montana has apologized for not inspecting the bar since 2019.
Entities: Jacques Moretti, Jessica Moretti, Le Constellation, Crans-Montana, Beatrice PilloudTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform