Death toll from Swiss New Year Alpine bar fire increases to 41

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesFebruary 1, 2026 at 07:58 PM

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The death toll from a New Year's Day fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has risen to 41 after an 18-year-old Swiss national died from injuries sustained in the blaze. The fire, which also injured 115 others, is one of the worst disasters in Swiss history. Authorities believe the fire started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited sound insulation foam in the bar's basement. A criminal investigation has been launched into the bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence. Investigators are also examining whether the foam met safety standards and if the sparklers were permitted, noting that fire safety inspections hadn't occurred since 2019. The victims were aged 14 to 39 and included 23 Swiss nationals and 18 foreigners.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Wallis canton 60% Zurich 60% Beatrice Pilloud ×270% Jessica Moretti 70% Crans-Montana 70% Jacques Moretti 70% Le Constellation bar 80% Switzerland ×490%

Keywords

alpine bar fire 100% death toll 90% swiss 80% criminal investigation 70% fire safety 70% new year celebrations 60% negligent homicide 60% sound insulation foam 50% sparklers 50% ski resort 40%