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Crans-Montana Fire Recovery: 67 Victims Still Hospitalized in February 2026
Nearly seven weeks after the devastating New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, 67 victims remain hospitalized or in rehabilitation centers across Europe. The February 2026 update reveals that while some patients are showing improvement, the road to recovery for burn victims from one of Switzerland's worst tragedies will be long and challenging. The fire, which claimed 41 lives and injured 115 people on January 1, 2026, continues to impact families and medical systems across the continent.
What is the Current Status of Crans-Montana Fire Victims?
According to the latest reports from Swiss health authorities, 67 of the original 115 injured victims from the Crans-Montana fire remain under medical care. This represents a significant reduction from the initial 119 injured reported immediately after the disaster, but still indicates the severity of injuries sustained. The distribution of patients shows the international scope of this tragedy:
International Treatment Network
38 seriously injured victims were transferred to specialized burn centers abroad due to capacity limitations in Swiss hospitals. As of February 17, 2026, the distribution includes:
- 16 patients in France
- 12 patients in Italy
- 5 patients in Germany
- 3 patients in Belgium
- 2 patients recently returned to Switzerland for rehabilitation
Swiss Hospital Statistics
Within Switzerland, 31 patients continue to receive treatment:
- 22 victims remain hospitalized in acute care facilities
- 9 patients are undergoing rehabilitation in specialized clinics
The Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection has indicated that more patients are expected to return from foreign treatment centers in the coming days as their conditions stabilize enough for transfer to Swiss rehabilitation facilities.
Medical Challenges in Burn Recovery
Burn specialists treating the Crans-Montana victims have emphasized the complex nature of severe burn recovery. In an interview with NOS, two burn surgeons explained that the first 48 hours after such injuries are critical for survival, and that young patients generally have better survival rates. However, the recovery process involves multiple stages:
Phases of Burn Treatment
- Acute Phase (First 48 hours): Focus on preventing burn shock, managing fluid loss, and preventing infection
- Surgical Phase (Weeks 1-4): Debridement, skin grafting, and wound closure procedures
- Rehabilitation Phase (Months 1-12): Physical therapy, scar management, and psychological support
- Long-term Recovery (1+ years): Ongoing reconstructive surgeries and psychological counseling
Medical experts note that many victims suffered burns covering 50-60% of their body surface area, requiring advanced treatments like tissue-engineered skin grafts and specialized wound care. The 2025 European burn treatment protocols have been instrumental in coordinating care across multiple countries.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
While victims continue their recovery, legal proceedings against the bar owners have intensified. Jacques Moretti, one of the co-owners of Le Constellation, remains in provisional detention for 90 days on charges of negligent homicide, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. His wife Jessica is under house arrest. Investigators have revealed that the bar had not undergone required fire safety inspections since 2019, missing five years of mandatory checks.
The fire is believed to have been started by pyrotechnic 'fountains' or sparklers on champagne bottles that ignited sound-insulating foam on the ceiling, creating a flashover that trapped victims in the basement. The investigation has uncovered multiple systemic failures, including the fact that none of the 40 initial victims received routine autopsies immediately after the disaster, potentially compromising evidence.
Impact on European Medical Systems
The Crans-Montana tragedy has tested European medical cooperation and burn treatment capacity. The rapid transfer of 38 patients to specialized centers across the continent demonstrated the effectiveness of European emergency medical coordination systems, but also highlighted the strain such mass casualty events place on specialized burn units.
Swiss President Viola Amherd has promised measures to prevent future tragedies, stating, 'We must learn from this disaster to ensure such a tragedy never happens again in our country.' The incident has sparked renewed discussions about fire safety regulations in entertainment venues across Europe, particularly in ski resorts and tourist destinations.
Psychological and Community Impact
Beyond the physical injuries, the psychological trauma from the Crans-Montana fire will have lasting effects. Most victims were teenagers and young adults aged 16-26, with eight victims under 16 years old. The community of Crans-Montana and surrounding Valais region continues to mourn, with memorial services drawing thousands of attendees, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
A makeshift memorial near the fire site itself caught fire on February 8, 2026, adding another layer of trauma for grieving families. Police believe candles left burning inside the memorial likely caused the blaze, which damaged several commemorative objects but spared a large book of remembrance containing messages from visitors.
FAQs About the Crans-Montana Fire Recovery
How many people died in the Crans-Montana fire?
The fire claimed 41 lives total - 40 in the immediate aftermath and one 18-year-old Swiss victim who died from his injuries two weeks later.
What caused the Crans-Montana bar fire?
Investigators believe pyrotechnic devices (sparklers or 'fountains' on champagne bottles) ignited sound-insulating foam on the ceiling, creating a rapid flashover.
How long will burn victims take to recover?
Severe burn recovery typically takes 12-24 months, with some patients requiring multiple surgeries and years of rehabilitation. Younger patients generally have better recovery prospects.
Why were patients transferred to other countries?
Swiss hospitals reached capacity quickly, requiring international cooperation to provide specialized burn care at facilities with available beds and expertise.
What safety failures were identified?
The bar had not undergone fire safety inspections since 2019 (missing 5 years of checks), used prohibited sound insulation materials, and had inadequate emergency exits.
