Crans-Montana Bar Fire Death Toll Rises to 41

Tragedy Deepens as Young Victim Succumbs to Injuries

The death toll from the devastating New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has risen to 41 after an 18-year-old Swiss national died from his injuries in a Zurich hospital on January 31, 2026. The young man had been fighting for his life for exactly one month since the catastrophic blaze that erupted during celebrations in the early hours of January 1st.

A Month of Suffering Ends

The victim's death marks the latest heartbreaking chapter in what has become one of Switzerland's deadliest fires in recent history. 'We are devastated by this loss,' said a spokesperson for the Valais cantonal police. 'Our thoughts remain with all the families affected by this unimaginable tragedy.'

According to official reports, the fire broke out around 1:26 AM local time when revelers raised champagne bottles with pyrotechnic sparklers too close to sound-insulating foam panels on the ceiling. The highly flammable material ignited instantly, causing a rapid flashover that trapped many of the approximately 200 partygoers inside the basement venue.

International Victims and Ongoing Investigations

Of the 41 confirmed fatalities, 23 were Swiss nationals while 18 came from eight different countries including France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 39, with approximately half being teenagers. In addition to the deaths, 116 people were injured—83 with severe burns requiring specialized treatment across Europe.

Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation against the bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, on suspicion of negligent homicide and causing a fire by negligence. Jacques Moretti was initially detained but later released on bail. Authorities are examining whether the soundproofing material complied with regulations and if the sparkler candles were permitted in the venue.

Systemic Safety Failures Revealed

Perhaps most alarming is the revelation that the bar had not undergone any fire safety inspections since 2019, despite regulations requiring annual checks. Mayor Nicolas Feraud admitted authorities were unaware inspections had lapsed and that the foam panels were never tested for flammability. 'This represents a catastrophic failure of our safety systems,' Feraud stated during a press conference.

The tragedy has prompted immediate action across Switzerland, with extra safety inspections ordered and a ban on sparkler candles in entertainment venues. The European Union provided emergency assistance to transport burn victims to specialized centers, highlighting the international response to the disaster.

As the community of Crans-Montana—a picturesque resort town of about 10,000 residents known for its skiing and golf—continues to mourn, questions remain about accountability and how such systemic safety failures could occur in a developed nation with strict building codes.