What Happened on the Apocalyptic Night of the Swiss Ski Bar Fire?

The recent tragedy in Crans-Montana, where a fire claimed the lives of 40 young people on New Year's Eve, has united the nation in mourning and raised serious questions about safety regulations. Following a national day of mourning on Friday, Swiss authorities detained the bar's owner, Jacques Moretti, who, along with his wife, faces accusations of negligence related to the incident. This has intensified demands for accountability from victims' families and inspired a wave of grief and anger throughout Switzerland.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The aftermath of the devastating fire at Le Constellation continues to resonate across Switzerland, with memorials and vigils being held to honour the victims. As church bells tolled in remembrance, the community grappled with the enormity of the tragedy. The detention of Jacques Moretti has sparked widespread discussion about safety practices in hospitality venues across the country and has led to calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations. Meanwhile, the investigation into the fire is ongoing, with authorities scrutinising potential failings by both the bar owners and local regulatory bodies.

Key takeaways

The fire at Le Constellation resulted in 40 fatalities, marking it as one of Switzerland's deadliest incidents in recent history.
Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the bar's owners, face serious charges, including manslaughter by negligence.
Investigations reveal that mandatory safety checks had not been conducted for five years prior to the fire.
Local authorities are under pressure to ensure accountability and improve safety regulations in public venues.
Survivors and victims' families continue to seek justice and answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Timeline: how we got here

Below is a brief timeline of events leading up to the current situation:

31 December 2022: A fire breaks out at Le Constellation, resulting in 40 deaths and numerous injuries.
1 January 2023: Local authorities begin initial investigations into the fire.
5 January 2023: Victims' families express frustration over the lack of accountability and action.
20 January 2023: Jacques Moretti is detained by Swiss prosecutors as investigations intensify.
26 October 2023: National day of mourning observed across Switzerland, with the community coming together to remember the victims.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant recent development is the detention of Jacques Moretti, which follows mounting pressure from victims' families and public outcry for accountability. The public ministry's statement regarding the flight risk associated with Moretti highlights the severity of the situation and indicates that legal proceedings may escalate as investigations continue.

What was already established

Prior to this week, it was known that the fire was ignited by a sparkler tied to a champagne bottle, which quickly ignited soundproofing foam not properly tested for safety. Additionally, the absence of safety checks at Le Constellation for five years was a critical oversight that has drawn ire from both the community and national leaders.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the fire occurred in Switzerland, it has implications for UK consumers, particularly in terms of awareness around safety regulations in hospitality venues. Increased scrutiny on safety measures may lead to changes in regulations that apply to UK establishments, highlighting the importance of compliance to prevent similar tragedies.

Businesses and jobs

The incident has prompted discussions among UK business owners about the importance of safety measures and compliance with regulations. It may lead to a review of safety protocols across various sectors, especially in hospitality, to ensure that establishments are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

Policy and regulation

The tragedy has sparked debates about fire safety regulations in both Switzerland and the UK. It may encourage UK lawmakers to reassess existing safety protocols, ensuring that regular checks and safety standards are enforced to protect patrons in public spaces.

Numbers that matter

40: The number of fatalities resulting from the fire at Le Constellation.
5: The number of years since safety checks were last conducted at the bar.
1,000 degrees Celsius: The estimated temperature inside the bar during the fire.
6: The number of Italian victims among those killed in the fire.
Numerous: The number of survivors who are facing long-term recovery from life-altering injuries.

Definitions and jargon buster

Manslaughter by negligence: A legal term referring to causing death through reckless or negligent behaviour.
Arson: The act of deliberately setting fire to property.
Soundproofing foam: Material used to reduce noise, which can be highly flammable if not properly tested for safety.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus will remain on the ongoing investigations and the potential for further legal actions against the Morettis. Community support for victims' families will likely continue as they seek answers and justice.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, there may be a push for legislative changes to improve safety regulations in hospitality venues across Switzerland and potentially in the UK. Authorities will likely evaluate existing safety protocols to prevent similar disasters.

Signals to watch

Updates on the legal status of Jacques and Jessica Moretti.
Results of ongoing investigations into the fire and safety compliance checks.
Potential changes in legislation regarding fire safety regulations in public venues.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about safety regulations in local establishments.
Participate in community discussions surrounding safety practices.
Support victims' families and local memorials to honour those lost.

Don’t

Ignore warnings about safety hazards in public venues.
Assume that safety checks are regularly conducted without verification.
Minimise the importance of community action in advocating for safety reforms.

Checklist

Verify if local venues have up-to-date safety certifications.
Understand evacuation procedures in public spaces.
Engage with local safety initiatives and advocacy groups.
Be aware of emergency contact information when attending events.
Follow news updates regarding safety regulations and community safety efforts.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation is still developing, with many questions unanswered regarding the fire and its causes. There is a risk that investigations may reveal further negligence, not only by the Morettis but also by local authorities. The community’s anger may lead to calls for more thorough regulatory changes and accountability measures, but the timeline for any such reforms remains uncertain.

Bottom line

The tragic fire in Crans-Montana has highlighted critical safety issues in public venues and has united a grieving community in their demand for justice and accountability. As investigations continue, the impact of this event may lead to significant changes in safety regulations both in Switzerland and potentially in the UK, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough safety practices.

FAQs

What caused the fire at Le Constellation?

The fire was reportedly ignited by a sparkler tied to a champagne bottle that brushed against flammable soundproofing foam, which had not been properly tested for safety.

Who is being held accountable for the tragedy?

Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the co-owners of Le Constellation, are currently under investigation for manslaughter by negligence and other related charges.

What is being done for the survivors of the fire?

Survivors are receiving medical care for severe injuries, with many transferred to specialist burn centres. Mental health support is also being addressed as they cope with the trauma of the incident.