Relatives of victims of the January 1 fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana say routine autopsies were not initially ordered, raising concerns about determining precise causes of death. The blaze killed 40 people, mostly teenagers, and injured 116. Italian authorities have asked for access to bodies of six Italian victims to conduct post-mortems. Swiss prosecutors are investigating whether sparklers ignited sound-insulating foam and are reviewing safety measures; the bar's owners face criminal probes.
Swiss New Year Bar Blaze Killed 40; Families Say Routine Autopsies Were Not Performed
The fire at Le Constellation left 40 people dead, mostly teenagers, who were celebrating the New Year (MAXIME SCHMID)(MAXIME SCHMID/AFP/AFP)
Lawyers representing relatives of the victims of the New Year fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana say routine autopsies were not initially carried out to determine exactly how the victims died. The blaze on January 1 in the Swiss canton of Wallis claimed the lives of 40 people — mostly teenagers — and injured 116 others.
Autopsy Controversy
Relatives' lawyers told AFP they find it "incomprehensible" that post-mortem examinations were not ordered immediately. "These are violent deaths, so the cause must be precisely established — fire, smoke, trampling, something else?" said lawyer Romain Jordan, who represents several families. He also said toxicology checks to determine levels of alcohol or other substances are important.
In Switzerland, autopsies are ordered by the public prosecutor's office. Because some funerals had already taken place, lawyers warn there is now a real risk that bodies not examined after death would need to be exhumed for forensic study.
Italian Concerns
Italy's ambassador to Bern and Italian lawyers have raised separate concerns. According to reports, none of the six Italian nationals who died had post-mortems performed in Switzerland, and Rome's prosecutors have requested access to the bodies so autopsies can be carried out.
Investigation Details
Wallis prosecutors suspect the fire began when champagne bottles fitted with sparklers were raised too close to sound-insulating foam in the bar's basement. Investigators say key questions remain, including whether the foam met safety standards, whether emergency exits functioned properly, and whether fire extinguishers were available.
An Italian police report, based on a January 4 visit by two Italian forensic pathologists, indicated that of the 40 bodies recovered, 37 were in the basement and 34 were "piled up at the bottom of the staircase" leading to the ground floor. The report said a wooden handrail had been pulled down "by the weight of the bodies." The document added that Swiss authorities "did not order autopsies or other forensic examinations" of the Italian victims and that some death certificates did not list a cause of death.
Legal Proceedings
The bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under criminal investigation and face charges including negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson. Jacques Moretti has been remanded in custody for an initial three-month period. Wallis prosecutors set bail at 200,000 Swiss francs, pending a tribunal decision. Jessica Moretti remains free but subject to restrictions.
The prosecutor's office declined to comment to AFP on the questions of autopsies and potential exhumations. The investigation remains active as authorities work to clarify the sequence of events and any failures of safety procedures.
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