An update on the New Year's Eve fire at the Constellation bar in Switzerland's Crans-Montana ski resort, which killed 40 and injured 116, reports two additional French injured, raising the French toll to 25 injured and nine dead. Paris prosecutors announced the figures and launched a 'mirror' investigation to support families amid Swiss-led probes.
The accidental fire at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on December 31 to January 1 devastated New Year's celebrations, resulting in 40 deaths and 116 injuries, many among young revelers. Initial chaos included rapid flashover, explosions, and scenes likened to a 'battlefield' by witnesses.
On January 8, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau provided a new tally on French victims: nine dead—including minors aged 14, 15, 17, 20, 23, 24, 26, 33, and 39, plus a Franco-Swiss and Franco-Israeli-British teen—and now 25 injured, two more than previously reported, with one hospitalized in Zurich. The youngest victim was 14-year-old French boy Noa.
To aid grieving families, the Paris prosecutor's office opened a 'mirror' investigation on Monday, facilitating cooperation with Swiss authorities without pursuing a French trial. Prosecutor Beccuau emphasized perfect collaboration and the need to avoid adding judicial trauma to victims' suffering.
Swiss investigations target bar managers Jacques and Jessica Moretti for potential negligence. Jacques, 49, from Corsica, has a prior 2008 conviction in Annecy for aggravated pimping linked to prostitution in ski resorts.
President Emmanuel Macron plans to attend a homage ceremony in Switzerland on Friday, coinciding with a national day of mourning. The tragedy has sparked debates on fire safety in nightlife venues, including minors' access.
