Crans-Montana – 05.06.2026: Five months have passed since the devastating fire at the Bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, in which 41 people lost their lives on New Year’s Eve. On June 5, the operators, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, will be heard again by the Swiss judiciary. Their role in the course of the disaster remains the focus of the investigations.
A lawyer representing the employees of the establishment sharply criticizes the previous procedures ahead of the hearing. He emphasizes that the parties had sufficient time to coordinate their statements—a chance that, in his view, was not effectively used. The goal must be a clear and transparent clarification in order to properly understand the tragedy.
The investigations focus on the circumstances that led to the fire and on the question of whether there were safety deficiencies on site. The Moretti couple is in the spotlight because, as owners, they were responsible for compliance with legal regulations and safety in the establishment.
The court has so far sought a sensitive approach toward the victims and relatives. Several witness statements and expert reports are included in the investigation, which aims to lead to a comprehensive legal assessment. The intention of all involved is to draw consequences for future safety measures in public facilities from the disaster.
The familial and social burden on the bar employees remains high. Their lawyer points out that they have so far had only limited access to information and demands more transparency and participation in the further proceedings. This is important for the personal and collective processing of what happened.
Before the hearing, more details about the cause of the fire and the rescue measures are expected to be revealed. The public is following the proceedings with great interest, especially out of respect for the victims and the desire for justice. The coming weeks will show how comprehensively the responsibilities can be clarified.
The proceedings in Crans-Montana serve as an example of the challenges associated with the legal processing of major accidents. They demonstrate how important a careful, rule-of-law investigation is to ensure confidence in the handling of tragedies in society.
Meanwhile, various measures to support the relatives and survivors have been initiated. Psychosocial care and financial aid have been provided to assist those affected in coping with the consequences of the disaster. In addition to the legal process, these steps underline the holistic approach with which the authorities are responding to the catastrophe.
Furthermore, questions regarding safety legislation are moving into focus. It is being examined whether the existing regulations were sufficient and whether their implementation in Crans-Montana met the requirements. This particularly concerns fire protection concepts, escape routes, and technical protective devices in publicly accessible facilities. Findings here could have nationwide impacts on safety standards.
Sources
- franceinfo
- Swiss Judiciary