Switzerland - 40 dead and 116 injured in fire in bar in Crans-Montana, Swiss ski resort, 1 January 2026

[mickey2942]

Is it a coincidence that this all started with a man wearing a "Guy Fawkes" mask? Eerie.

 

[Herat]

Cripes

The moment a sparkler almost set Swiss bar on fire six years before inferno killed 40 people at the same venue​

This is the chilling moment a staff member at the Swiss ski bar that went up in flames begged revellers to keep sparklers away from its roof foam on New Year's Eve in 2019.

The warning occurred six years before the inferno in Le Constellation nightclub that killed 40 people and left 116 injured, many with severe, third-degree burns.

'Watch out for the foam, watch out for the foam,' the waiter can he heard shouting in the video, as a sparkler in a bottle dangerously approaches the ceiling.

The footage was sent to Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS) by a guest at Le Constellation in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, who was present at the evening in 2019.

Video shows Swiss bar staff begging revellers to keep sparklers away

'Watch out for the foam, watch out for the foam,' the waiter can he heard shouting, as a sparkler in a bottle approaches the ceiling dangerously.

www.dailymail.co.uk

That is incredible !

This nearly happened 6 years ago in the same place. And, the Swiss authorities would have inspected the bar at that time and noticed the same foam insulation pads on the ceiling, but did not consider them a hazard?

Even though the New Years Eve 2019 revelers did?

 

[Herat]

Another tidbit about the Mayor of Crans-Montana's statement about the most recent inspection of Le Constellation being in 2019

There were no fire alarms

"There was no fire alarm on the premises because “it is not a requirement in such establishments”.

My comments: If there were 119 injured and 40 dead, at this point, then the number of people in that bar were at least 159, and as there were some that escaped, it would be reasonable to conclude that more than 200 people were in that bar. What was the limit for a venue of that size?

What kind of fire regulations exist to promote safety in a dark place with loud music, packed with people, many of which are inebriated and compromised in their ability to recognize danger and act appropriately.

The reputation of the Swiss for regulation and precision has just been torn to bits by an explosion, that clearly shows it was a careless, lackadaisical administration that passed by common safety and health practices in favor of tourist promotion and not causing disruption with prominent businesses.

Information was in the Daily Telegraph article, which is paywalled.

Access Restricted

 

[Dotta]

It does. Yet I have personally been at restaurants that do this very thing. Usually it was on a birthday cake, to celebrate some event. And everyone joined in singing "Happy Birthday", while the staff surrounded the cake and flaming candle, surreptitiously snuffing the almost spent candle in a small carafe of water.

I never thought, "OMG, we are going to DIE!!!". It was just part of a festive experience. I never have gone into a club, checking out the fire escapes, or searching for fire extinguishers. I may be more aware now, but it probably won't change our lives.

I went to a movie the other day, and we completely enjoyed the experience. Overpriced popcorn, and all. I didn't think about where the escape route is located. Who could live this way?!

Re cinemas (in my country)
Escape routes are illuminated very well with green fluorescent lights.
I always see them sitting inside and enjoying the film.

There are usually 3 of them.
2 in front (both sides of a screen)
1 in the back.

 

[Herat]

The bar capacity was reported as 200 people, 100 in the basement and 100 on the ground floor. Then there is a note that the terrace could contain an additional 100 people.

I would almost guarantee that the basement capacity exceeded 100 people that night.

I cannot find the exact square footage of Le Constellation. The maximum occupancy codes are usually written in persons/square meter ( or square foot).

 

[detective.moon]

the bar owners have issued a statement

Following the devastating fire on New Year's Eve at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Valais, which claimed 40 lives, the bar's owners have now issued a statement. In a statement released by their lawyers, Jessica and Jacques Moretti write:

"No words can adequately describe the tragedy that occurred at Le Constellation that night.

This place of celebration suddenly turned into a place of horror and fear.

We are devastated and overwhelmed with grief. Our thoughts are constantly with the families of the victims, the victims who were so brutally and prematurely torn from life, and all those who are fighting for their lives.

No words can truly express what the police, rescue workers, and medical personnel have gone through and continue to go through with courage bordering on heroism. We owe them our deepest gratitude and respect.

We would also like to express our unconditional solidarity with all our employees who have been severely affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with them, as the ongoing legal proceedings currently prevent us from contacting them personally.

Out of respect for the period of mourning and remembrance that this tragedy requires, and also due to the current state of the investigation, we will only comment in this context at this time and have complete confidence in the investigators to clarify the facts and answer all questions. Rest assured that we will cooperate fully and will not shy away from any aspect of this matter.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has offered us their support. It is invaluable to us.

We are now being supported by Ms. Yaël Hayat, Ms. Nicola Meier, and Mr. Patrick Michod. With all our sympathy, Jessica and Jacques Moretti.

Bar-Betreiber äussern sich nach Brand in Crans-Montana

Fünf Tage nach dem Brand in der Bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana VS mit 40 Toten und 116 Verletzten haben sich nun die Betreiber der Bar geäussert.

www.blick.ch

 

[Herat]

the bar owners have issued a statement

Following the devastating fire on New Year's Eve at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Valais, which claimed 40 lives, the bar's owners have now issued a statement. In a statement released by their lawyers, Jessica and Jacques Moretti write:

"No words can adequately describe the tragedy that occurred at Le Constellation that night.

This place of celebration suddenly turned into a place of horror and fear.

We are devastated and overwhelmed with grief. Our thoughts are constantly with the families of the victims, the victims who were so brutally and prematurely torn from life, and all those who are fighting for their lives.

No words can truly express what the police, rescue workers, and medical personnel have gone through and continue to go through with courage bordering on heroism. We owe them our deepest gratitude and respect.

We would also like to express our unconditional solidarity with all our employees who have been severely affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with them, as the ongoing legal proceedings currently prevent us from contacting them personally.

Out of respect for the period of mourning and remembrance that this tragedy requires, and also due to the current state of the investigation, we will only comment in this context at this time and have complete confidence in the investigators to clarify the facts and answer all questions. Rest assured that we will cooperate fully and will not shy away from any aspect of this matter.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has offered us their support. It is invaluable to us.

We are now being supported by Ms. Yaël Hayat, Ms. Nicola Meier, and Mr. Patrick Michod. With all our sympathy, Jessica and Jacques Moretti.

Bar-Betreiber äussern sich nach Brand in Crans-Montana

Fünf Tage nach dem Brand in der Bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana VS mit 40 Toten und 116 Verletzten haben sich nun die Betreiber der Bar geäussert.

www.blick.ch

This certainly sounds like a lawyer-written statement.

Sorry if I sound cynical.

 

[detective.moon]

This certainly sounds like a lawyer-written statement.

Sorry if I sound cynical.

the next article i read was this.. they were definitely in need of something that would make them look better

Italian reporters harassed – Foreign Minister responds to X

According to their own statements, journalists from Italian broadcaster Rai were harassed by several people while filming in Crans-Montana. A reporter explained live on Italian television that the team had been filming a closed restaurant run by the operators of the bar “Le Constellation.” While filming, a car arrived. Three people got out, threatened them, and insulted them. Shortly afterwards, more people arrived, surrounded the team, and damaged the vehicle with punches and kicks.

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the incidents in a post on the X platform and called on the Swiss authorities to ensure the safety of journalists.

On Monday, the Blick newspaper had already reported that some of its journalists had been threatened and verbally abused on Sunday while filming in front of a restaurant owned by the French operators of the Le Constellation bar.

Katastrophe in Crans-Montana - Betreiber von «Le Constellation» wollen Verantwortung übernehmen

In einer schriftlichen Stellungnahme äussern sich die Betreiber der Bar erstmals ausführlich zur Brandkatastrophe.

www.srf.ch

 

[Herat]

the next article i read was this.. they were definitely in need of something that would make them look better

Italian reporters harassed – Foreign Minister responds to X

According to their own statements, journalists from Italian broadcaster Rai were harassed by several people while filming in Crans-Montana. A reporter explained live on Italian television that the team had been filming a closed restaurant run by the operators of the bar “Le Constellation.” While filming, a car arrived. Three people got out, threatened them, and insulted them. Shortly afterwards, more people arrived, surrounded the team, and damaged the vehicle with punches and kicks.

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the incidents in a post on the X platform and called on the Swiss authorities to ensure the safety of journalists.

On Monday, the Blick newspaper had already reported that some of its journalists had been threatened and verbally abused on Sunday while filming in front of a restaurant owned by the French operators of the Le Constellation bar.

Katastrophe in Crans-Montana - Betreiber von «Le Constellation» wollen Verantwortung übernehmen

In einer schriftlichen Stellungnahme äussern sich die Betreiber der Bar erstmals ausführlich zur Brandkatastrophe.

www.srf.ch

This does go along with the history of violence and thuggery that bar and restaurant owner Moretti has in his past.

They do not sound like simple, decent people to me.

 

[detective.moon]

it seems like i’ve exceeded the limit for free articles on blick.ch but there was one last article i read (that i now can’t go back to!) but paraphrasing it..

a lawyer representing a mother and father of a victim was not happy about the mayors press conference this morning, presenting the municipality themselves as a victim in this situation when 1. people have lost their lives and are still fighting for their lives, they are the victims here 2. it will have to be investigated whether the municipality is too blame too

and the parents are hoping for future regulations that will prevent a similar tragedy from happening

 

[mickey2942]

This certainly sounds like a lawyer-written statement.

Sorry if I sound cynical.

Yeah. Really heartfelt. Not.

 

[Dotta]

Yeah. Really heartfelt. Not.

Nevertheless,
it seems to be the right gesture IMO.

But I understand that whatever they do,
they'll be criticized.
(You know...
damned if they do
damned if they don't)

The anger and despair is so great among the public.

JMO

 

[detective.moon]

Nevertheless,
it seems to be the right gesture IMO.

But I understand that whatever they do,
they'll be criticized.
(You know...
damned if they do
damned if they don't)

The anger and despair is so great among the public.

JMO

i agree, they had to say something! and nothing they could have said would have been exactly right, but still it’s better than not saying anything

 

[Herat]

i agree, they had to say something! and nothing they could have said would have been exactly right, but still it’s better than not saying anything

The first statement they made was all about them and their loss.

It was remarkably heartless.

 

[mickey2942]

Nevertheless,
it seems to be the right gesture IMO.

But I understand that whatever they do,
they'll be criticized.
(You know...
damned if they do
damned if they don't)

The anger and despair is so great among the public.

JMO

Maybe actually saying, "Sorry. We just didn't expect this tragedy". I didn't see that anywhere in the lawyer written rhetoric.

 

[Dotta]

Maybe actually saying, "Sorry. We just didn't expect this tragedy". I didn't see that anywhere in the lawyer written rhetoric.

It seems very carefully worded after contacting lawyers.
No implicating themselves,
but honouring the victims.

I guess they were warned by the lawyers
to stop any communication with Media except only through lawyers.

Which, I suppose, is typical in criminal cases.

JMO

 

[Kittypoo]

"Swiss mayor admits inferno bar had not been inspected for FIVE YEARS ​

and issues grovelling apology.​

View attachment 635365

Speaking to a press conference on Tuesday,
Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud said
that no safety inspections had been carried out since 2019 at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort.

'We are profoundly sorry.
We did not have an indication that the checks had not been done.
We regret that - we owe it to the families
and we will accept the responsibility'.

The mayor added
that the sound-proof foam used in the bar was considered acceptable at the time.

He also said that there is a team of just five people
who do 'immense work' and carry out checks in the area,
looking after more than 10,000 buildings, including restaurants and hotels.

The local council are looking at why this happened,
which will include a full audit of all venues in the area and ensure more checks are carried out,
Mr Feraud said.

He also said that it is
'down to the judges' to determine who is responsible."

Swiss mayor admits inferno bar had not been inspected for FIVE YEARS

The mayor of Crans Montana has admitted that the party venue had not had any safety checks for five years.

www.dailymail.co.uk

2019 I make that 6 years without inspection?

 

[Sospicious]

2019 I make that 6 years without inspection?

Yes that’s been bugging me too

 

[Kittypoo]

Yes that’s been bugging me too

At least 6 years absolutely neglectful
IMO

 

[Dotta]

DBM