Swiss Bar Owners Probed As Locked Exit Claims Deepen Fire Tragedy

Swiss prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the French couple who owned Le Constellation, the Crans-Montana ski resort bar where a New Year’s Eve blaze killed 40 people and injured 119 — amid mounting claims that an emergency exit was routinely kept locked.

Police confirmed that owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti are under investigation on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm and arson, after sparklers fixed to champagne bottles reportedly ignited insulation foam on the basement ceiling, triggering a firestorm inside the packed venue.

Witness accounts now suggest that, despite the club being crowded with teenagers and students, at least one exit in the basement was blocked or locked. A local bartender who frequented the venue said:

“There was an emergency exit. But whenever I was there, it was always locked… everyone in town knew things were bound to go wrong eventually.”

Another witness alleged that the door may have been locked to stop people leaving without paying — a claim now central to the investigation.

The fire rapidly filled the basement with toxic smoke, forcing panicked partygoers up a single narrow staircase. Many never made it out. Authorities have described the bar layout as a “deathtrap.”

Families Waiting — And Grieving

Victims include 16-year-old Chiara Costanzo from Milan, whose father described receiving the call “that should never come to a father,” and 17-year-old golf prodigy Emanuele Galeppini. Police say eight Swiss victims — four men and four women, including two 16-year-olds — have now been formally identified.

But more than 30 families still face an agonising wait, as severely burned victims remain unidentifiable. Psychologists supporting the relatives describe the uncertainty as “destroying people’s stability.”

Among the missing is 15-year-old Charlotte Niddam, a French-born student who previously attended schools in north London. Friends have posted heartbreaking tributes online, pleading for her return.

Parents of missing children say they are being kept in the dark about whether unidentified survivors are being treated in Switzerland or abroad. “Anger is starting to rise,” said one mother.

Owners Under Intense Scrutiny

The Morettis — prominent figures in the local hospitality world — have so far declined to answer detailed questions, though they previously said they were “very unwell” and cooperating with authorities.

Investigators are also examining building materials, fire safety compliance, exit access and crowd capacity.

Meanwhile, broadcasters and venues across Europe have quietly altered programming out of sensitivity to the tragedy — a small acknowledgment of the scale of loss.

As harrowing videos continue to emerge of teenagers dancing beneath a ceiling moments before it ignited, the grim question now hangs over Crans-Montana: how many lives might have been saved if every exit had been open?

Key Takeaways

• Swiss prosecutors are investigating the bar owners for manslaughter by negligence after claims an emergency exit was routinely locked.

• 40 died and 119 were injured when sparklers ignited insulation foam inside the crowded Alpine nightclub.

• Families of the missing face agonising delays, with more than 30 victims still awaiting formal identification.

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL

That would be horrific...

Locked exits was the same cause of so many deaths in the Santika fire in Bangkok.

I try to remember - each time I go to a busy club to accidentally 'lean' on the fire exit and see if it opens.

There have been clubs I refuse to go into - up a narrow stair-case, one way up, same way down... Boring yes !!... other times I'm already half cut and don't consider such concerns - there go I but for the grace of fortune - I think for most of us, we are merely fortunate never to have found ourselves in such catastrophic and deadly circumstances.