Tragedy Strikes Swiss Alps: Death Toll from Alpine Bar Fire Reaches 41
The festive New Year celebrations in the Swiss Alps took a devastating turn when a fire engulfed a popular bar, claiming the lives of 41 people and leaving many more injured. The latest victim to succumb to injuries was an 18-year-old Swiss national, who died in hospital on January 31.
The disaster occurred at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, resulting in one of the worst disasters in Switzerland's modern history. According to authorities, most of those injured were teenagers, with the majority aged between 14 and 39. Only four were over 24 years old.
Prosecutors believe that the fire started when revellers raised champagne bottles with sparklers attached too close to sound insulation foam on the ceiling of the bar's basement. They are investigating whether the foam conformed to regulations and whether the candles were permitted for use in the bar, as well as whether adequate fire safety inspections had been carried out since 2019.
The investigation has led to a criminal probe into the owners of the bar, French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence. The court of compulsory measures in the southwestern Valais region ordered three months of pretrial detention for Jacques Moretti but later released him on bail.
The tragedy has tested relations with neighbouring Italy, which lost nationals in the blaze and has protested the release on bail of the bar's owner. Swiss authorities have granted the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office access to evidence gathered.
In total, 115 people were injured in the fire, most of whom remain in various hospitals across Switzerland and four other European countries. The Wallis health ministry reported that 37 patients were still in Swiss hospitals as of Monday, while 44 patients were being treated abroad.
The festive New Year celebrations in the Swiss Alps took a devastating turn when a fire engulfed a popular bar, claiming the lives of 41 people and leaving many more injured. The latest victim to succumb to injuries was an 18-year-old Swiss national, who died in hospital on January 31.
The disaster occurred at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, resulting in one of the worst disasters in Switzerland's modern history. According to authorities, most of those injured were teenagers, with the majority aged between 14 and 39. Only four were over 24 years old.
Prosecutors believe that the fire started when revellers raised champagne bottles with sparklers attached too close to sound insulation foam on the ceiling of the bar's basement. They are investigating whether the foam conformed to regulations and whether the candles were permitted for use in the bar, as well as whether adequate fire safety inspections had been carried out since 2019.
The investigation has led to a criminal probe into the owners of the bar, French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence. The court of compulsory measures in the southwestern Valais region ordered three months of pretrial detention for Jacques Moretti but later released him on bail.
The tragedy has tested relations with neighbouring Italy, which lost nationals in the blaze and has protested the release on bail of the bar's owner. Swiss authorities have granted the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office access to evidence gathered.
In total, 115 people were injured in the fire, most of whom remain in various hospitals across Switzerland and four other European countries. The Wallis health ministry reported that 37 patients were still in Swiss hospitals as of Monday, while 44 patients were being treated abroad.
so the fire started from champagne bottles with sparklers... that's crazy. I mean, how hard can it be to use a little common sense when it comes to fireworks and flammable materials? 
It seems like they didn't follow basic safety rules and now 41 people are dead 
. The owners are under investigation for negligent homicide... does that even feel fair considering the circumstances? And what's with the bail release of the owner on Monday? Didn't Switzerland take this seriously enough from the start? 
the numbers are mind-blowing 41 lives lost 
what's even more shocking is most victims were teens 
and many injured too 
it seems like a tragic accident but investigations reveal negligence 
owners of bar under probe for reckless behavior 
safety inspections since 2019? 
can imagine the pain of families who lost loved ones 
. It just makes me want to go home and check on everything in my own house, you know? 
. I'm sure there'll be a lot of changes made to the fire safety regulations now. The owners of the bar are facing some serious charges too... hope they take responsibility for their actions. 
, and that justice is served for those who died. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragic event 
. Can you imagine walking into a bar on New Year's Eve, expecting to celebrate with friends and family, only to witness your worst nightmare unfold? The investigation is just starting, but already it's clear that negligence played a huge role in this disaster. I mean, who puts candles near sound insulation foam?! 
It's heartbreaking to see the owners of the bar facing criminal charges for their alleged roles in this tragedy. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives and the many more who are still fighting for their lives 
... what happened to 'just keeping it real' when people lose their lives? 
.
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