All 116 Injured Identified in Swiss Bar Fire; Bodies of 40 Dead Repatriated as Investigation Grows
January 5, 2026
All 116 people injured in the New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana have now been identified, police said Monday. The blaze killed 40 mostly young partygoers, and authorities have repatriated the first foreign victims' bodies. Police clarified the number of injured had been lowered from 119 to 116 after some hospital admissions were mistakenly linked to the fire. The fire reportedly started in the bar's basement when sparklers on champagne bottles touched the ceiling, which was covered with soundproofing foam, a likely factor in the blaze. Among the injured were 68 Swiss citizens, 21 French, 10 Italians, four Serbs, and others from multiple countries. As of now, 83 hospitalized victims still receive treatment for severe burns. The deceased included 21 Swiss, nine French (two dual nationals), six Italians, and individuals from Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey. Most were young, with an average age of 19 and 20 minors among them. On Monday, five of six Italian victims' coffins were carried by Swiss police to an Italian military plane in Sion. The plane was headed to Milan, then Rome, to return the bodies. Sofia Prosperi, the sixth Italian victim, will be buried in Switzerland. Italy's ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado promised full cooperation with Swiss authorities, stating, "We will follow the investigation closely so the truth is known as quickly as possible and justice served." Investigations focus on the bar owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who face charges including homicide by negligence. They remain free, but public pressure is intensifying. Swiss media question why the couple is still at liberty, while Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini urged accountability, saying, "In civilised Switzerland, the prison gates will have to open for quite a few people." Questions remain about safety checks, soundproofing material, and sparkler use. Jacques Moretti insists the bar passed all inspections and complied with rules. Local officials say no previous concerns or defects were reported. The Crans-Montana municipality has joined the criminal case as a civil party to help uncover the facts. A memorial ceremony for the victims will be held Friday, with French President Emmanuel Macron expected to attend.
Read More at Theguardian →
Tags:
Swiss Bar Fire
Crans-Montana
Fire Tragedy
Victims Identified
Italy Repatriation
Legal Investigation
Comments