Swiss Bar Owners ‘Overwhelmed with Grief’ in First Public Comments Since 40 Killed in Fire

The Swiss town of Crans-Montana is still reeling from one of the deadliest fires in the country’s recent history. What began as a joyful New Year’s Eve celebration ended in unimaginable tragedy when a fire broke out at a popular basement bar, killing 40 people and injuring more than a hundred others. Days after the incident, the bar’s owners have spoken publicly for the first time, saying they are “overwhelmed with grief” as the investigation into the disaster continues.

Their statement comes as Switzerland mourns the victims, many of whom were young people celebrating the arrival of the new year. The tragedy has sparked nationwide grief, anger, and urgent questions about safety standards, inspections, and accountability.

First Public Words From the Bar Owners

Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the French couple who owned and managed the bar, released their first public comments through their legal representatives. In the statement, they expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost and the suffering caused.

They described themselves as devastated by the events of that night and said that no words could adequately capture the pain felt by the victims’ families or their own shock at what occurred. The owners also stated they would fully cooperate with Swiss authorities and would not attempt to avoid responsibility as the investigation unfolds.

For many, the statement marks a significant moment. While it does not answer all questions, it signals the beginning of a public reckoning surrounding the fire.

How the Fire Unfolded

The blaze broke out shortly after 1:30 a.m. on January 1, at the height of New Year’s celebrations. The bar was crowded, filled with people welcoming the new year in a festive atmosphere. According to investigators, the fire may have started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited flammable materials on the ceiling.

Within moments, flames spread rapidly through the confined basement space. Thick smoke, panic, and limited escape routes made it extremely difficult for patrons to flee. Emergency services arrived quickly, but the speed and intensity of the fire left little time to prevent mass casualties.

By morning, the scale of the tragedy became clear: 40 people had lost their lives, and more than 100 were injured, many with severe burns.

The Human Cost of the Disaster

The victims came from several countries, reflecting Crans-Montana’s popularity as an international resort destination. Many were teenagers and young adults, making the loss especially heartbreaking for families and communities.

Hospitals across the region worked around the clock to treat survivors, some of whom remain in critical condition. Meanwhile, memorials of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now line the streets near the bar, serving as a powerful reminder of the lives lost.

The tragedy has touched the entire nation. A national day of mourning was observed, and leaders from Switzerland and neighboring countries offered condolences. For grieving families, however, the pain is deeply personal and far from over.

Investigation and Legal Questions

Swiss prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the fire. Charges under consideration include involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, and negligence. Investigators are examining every aspect of the bar’s operation, from building materials and emergency exits to staff training and fire prevention measures.

One of the most troubling revelations so far is that the bar had not undergone a mandatory fire safety inspection for several years. Local authorities admitted that annual inspections had not been carried out since before the pandemic, despite regulations requiring them for public venues.

This admission has intensified public outrage and raised serious concerns about regulatory enforcement at both local and regional levels.

Safety Failures and Broader Concerns

The use of flammable ceiling materials, combined with indoor sparkler candles in a crowded space, has become a focal point of the investigation. Fire safety experts have long warned against pyrotechnic effects in enclosed environments, especially when escape routes are limited.

In response to the tragedy, local authorities have already banned the use of sparklers and similar devices in indoor venues. There are also calls for stricter national standards, more frequent inspections, and harsher penalties for safety violations.

Many Swiss citizens are now questioning how such a catastrophic lapse could occur in a country known for its strong regulations and infrastructure.

Grief, Accountability, and the Road Ahead

For the bar owners, their public statement marks the beginning of a long and painful process. While they have expressed sorrow and a willingness to cooperate, the legal and moral questions surrounding the tragedy remain unresolved.

For Switzerland, the fire is a stark reminder of how quickly celebration can turn into catastrophe when safety is compromised. As investigations continue and reforms are debated, the hope is that lessons learned from this disaster will lead to stronger protections and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Above all, the focus remains on honoring the victims — not just through words and memorials, but through meaningful action that ensures their loss is not in vain.