Swiss New Year Alpine Bar Fire Death Toll Rises to 41

Switzerland Announces Death of 18-Year-Old Victim from New Year’s Fire

A Swiss national, aged 18, has died in a hospital in Zurich, bringing the total death toll from the fire at Le Constellation bar on January 1, 2026, to 41. According to Beatrice Pilloud, public prosecutor for the Wallis canton, the teenager passed away on January 31.

The incident occurred during New Year’s celebrations at the ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a fire broke out in the bar. The fire has resulted in 115 injuries, with most patients remaining in various hospitals. Authorities have confirmed that those killed were aged between 14 and 39, with the majority being teenagers.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with authorities examining whether the use of sparklers attached to champagne bottles may have contributed to the blaze. The incident has also raised questions about fire safety regulations in Switzerland, as no inspections had been carried out since 2019.

Prosecutors are investigating the owners of the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence. A court order for pretrial detention was issued for one of the owners, but he has since been released on bail.

The incident has also led to an international response, with seriously wounded patients being airlifted to hospitals in Switzerland and other European countries. The Federal Office for Civil Protection reported that 44 patients were being treated abroad as of Monday, while 37 remained in Swiss hospitals.

Source: Al Jazeera