A memorial dedicated to the 41 victims of a horrific nightclub fire during New Year’s celebrations in Switzerland was destroyed by another fire.
This memorial, a tent adorned with flowers, candles, and messages of sympathy, caught fire near the Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana shortly before 6 a.m. on Sunday, according to local reports. Valais cantonal police confirmed the incident.
Officials noted that emergency responders quickly contained the blaze.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, although some items at the memorial were damaged. A book of condolence messages remained intact.
Investigators suspect that the fire was accidental, likely caused by a candle placed on a table in the center of the memorial.
This monument honors the 41 victims and over 100 people who were injured in the tragic fire at La Constellation on New Year’s Eve.
Authorities believe that candles inside champagne bottles during the event may have ignited soundproofing foam on the bar’s basement ceiling.
The situation was worsened by a locked service door that could have been used as an escape route, and another exit was also obstructed.
Disturbing video footage from that night captured partygoers frantically trying to flee the dangerous flames.
Investigators later found that the bar’s owners had renovated the establishment in 2015 without notifying local authorities, including the National Fire Marshal’s Office.
Since the tragic event, Jack Moretti, 49, and Jessica Moretti, 40, have faced significant public criticism, particularly aimed at waitress Sian Panine, 24, who was seen as responsible for the fire.
Leaked interrogation documents revealed that the owners repeatedly claimed during questioning, “The problem is not us, it’s other people.”
Jack Moretti also mentioned that Panine had climbed onto a colleague’s shoulder while holding champagne bottles topped with firework candles, described as “magic fountains.”
“I didn’t stop her from doing it,” he admitted. “I wasn’t aware of any safety risks. It seemed like she was just having fun; it was all part of the show.”
Jessica Moretti supported her husband’s stance, emphasizing that Panine willingly participated in the delivery of the bottles.
“If I had even considered the potential risks, I would have stopped it,” she stated. “I’ve been running this business for a decade, and I never imagined anything like this could happen.”
Both are facing charges of manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and arson.
