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The Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana is facing sharp criticism from the Valais Cantonal Court over its handling of last year’s deadly nightclub fire, which killed 41 people and injured nearly 100 others. The court’s ruling, issued Monday, found the municipality failed to enforce basic safety regulations at the Constellation bar—a venue owned by Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who now face criminal charges in both Switzerland and Italy.
In a strongly worded decision, the court described the town’s oversight as “grossly negligent,” noting that local officials had repeatedly ignored warnings about the bar’s unsafe conditions. Inspection reports dating back to 2024 had flagged issues including blocked emergency exits, overcrowding, and inadequate fire suppression systems—all of which contributed to the disaster on New Year’s Eve 2026.
“This wasn’t just a tragedy—it was a preventable failure of governance,” the court’s opinion stated. The ruling has intensified scrutiny of elected officials across Switzerland, raising questions about their legal liability in similar disasters. Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for holding municipalities accountable when lax enforcement leads to mass casualties.
Families Confront Horrific Footage
Meanwhile, the emotional toll of the fire was laid bare this week as families of the victims were granted access to surveillance footage from the night of the blaze. Police in Sion, the capital of Valais, allowed attorneys and relatives to view the videos in a controlled setting, though most declined to comment afterward.
“We saw nothing new—just what we already knew,” one lawyer told reporters outside the police station Monday. Another group of attorneys, representing Italian families, were among the few to speak publicly, describing the footage as “unbearable.” The viewing sessions will continue through Thursday, with families scheduled to see the material later this week.
The videos, which have not been released to the public, are expected to play a central role in the upcoming trial. Prosecutors allege the Morettis ignored repeated warnings about the bar’s safety violations, including locked emergency exits and a lack of sprinklers. Both have denied wrongdoing, though Jessica Moretti remains under court-ordered restrictions, including a travel ban.
Rumors and Apologies
The investigation has likewise been marred by misinformation. Earlier this month, a witness publicly apologized for spreading false claims that Jessica Moretti had fled the scene before the fire was fully extinguished. The rumor, which circulated widely on social media, was later debunked by investigators, who confirmed Moretti was present during the evacuation efforts.
“I regret the pain my words caused,” the witness said in a statement published by local media. The incident underscores the challenges of separating fact from speculation in the aftermath of a mass-casualty event.
What Happens Next?
The Morettis’ trial is expected to initiate later this year, with Swiss and Italian authorities coordinating their cases. In the meantime, the Valais Cantonal Court’s ruling has already prompted calls for stricter enforcement of building codes in tourist-heavy regions. Advocacy groups representing the victims’ families have demanded a full audit of nightlife venues across Switzerland, warning that similar risks may exist in other popular destinations.
For Crans-Montana, the fallout extends beyond legal consequences. The town, known for its luxury ski resorts and high-profile visitors, has seen tourism decline sharply since the fire. Local business owners say the stigma of the tragedy has been difficult to overcome, even as officials work to restore confidence in the community’s safety standards.
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