A Nation in Tears: Switzerland Observes National Day of Mourning for New Year’s Eve Fire Victims
MARTIGNY, SWITZERLAND — A heavy silence fell over the Swiss Alps on Friday as the confederation paused to honor the 40 lives lost in a horrific New Year’s Eve fire that turned a night of celebration into one of the darkest tragedies in the country’s modern history.
From the Federal Palace in Bern to the smallest mountain chapels, flags flew at half-mast and church bells tolled in unison at 2:00 PM, signaling a nationwide minute of silence. The center of the mourning was the town of Martigny, where high-ranking European leaders joined grieving families for a poignant national memorial service.
The Tragedy: From Celebration to Inferno
The disaster struck in the early hours of January 1, 2026, at Le Constellation, a popular bar and event venue in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana. According to investigators, the venue was packed with young revelers, many of them teenagers and students, celebrating the turn of the year.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire was ignited at approximately 1:30 AM when “sparkling candles” or indoor fountain sparklers, attached to champagne bottles, were raised too close to the basement ceiling. The ceiling was reportedly clad in acoustic-dampening foam which, if non-flame retardant, can lead to a “flashover”—a phenomenon where an entire room ignites simultaneously.
The Toll of the Disaster:
- Fatalities: 40 people (over half were minors; ages ranged from 14 to 39).
- Injuries: 116 people (83 treated for severe burns, some covering over 60% of their bodies).
- Scope: Victims hailed from 19 different countries, reflecting the international appeal of the Swiss ski resort.
The Memorial: “A Shared Grief”
Due to heavy snowfall and safety concerns in Crans-Montana, the official state ceremony was moved 50 kilometers west to the Exhibition and Assembly Center (CERM) in Martigny. The service was attended by approximately 1,000 guests, including:
- Guy Parmelin, President of Switzerland
- Emmanuel Macron, President of France
- Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy
- Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
President Parmelin delivered a heart-wrenching address, stating, “Our country is devastated by this tragedy. We honor the memory of those who were lost, and we stand beside those now facing a long journey of recovery.” He emphasized that the nation’s hope for healing depends on the justice system’s ability to “bring failures to light.”
Following the speeches, attendees—many holding white roses—observed a moment of reflection as the names of the victims were displayed. Simultaneously, across the country, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) made announcements on trains to observe the silence, and train station flags were lowered in a rare display of national unity.
Investigation and Outrage
As the mourning concludes, public focus has shifted to a sprawling criminal investigation. Swiss prosecutors have already detained Jacques Moretti, one of the owners of Le Constellation, citing a flight risk. He and his wife, Jessica, are under investigation for:
- Homicide by negligence
- Involuntary bodily harm
- Involuntarily causing a fire
Local outrage has intensified following revelations that the bar had not undergone a formal fire safety inspection since 2019. The municipality of Crans-Montana admitted that periodic checks were missed between 2020 and 2025, a failure the local mayor said the council “regrets bitterly.”
Looking Ahead: Stricter Safety Standards
The “Le Constellation” fire has sparked an immediate review of fire codes across the Swiss hospitality industry. Authorities in Davos and Adelboden, which are hosting major international events this month, have announced “heightened alert” status and the deployment of special fire-safety units to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What caused the fire at Le Constellation? Evidence points to fountain sparklers on champagne bottles igniting acoustic foam on the basement ceiling. This caused a rapid “flashover” that engulfed the room in seconds.
2. Why were so many victims teenagers? The bar was a popular spot for young people because it had no entrance fee and was known for hosting vibrant New Year’s Eve events. Over half of those killed were under the age of 18.
3. Will the owners face jail time? One owner is currently in pre-trial detention. Under Swiss law, convictions for negligent homicide and arson can result in significant prison sentences and heavy fines.
4. How is Switzerland changing safety rules? Several municipalities have already banned the use of indoor sparklers in bars and clubs. National lawmakers are also discussing mandatory annual fire inspections for all public venues.
5. How can I support the victims? The Canton of Valais and various international organizations have set up solidarity funds to assist the injured with medical costs and to support the bereaved families.
