Italy's government announced on Wednesday that it has filed to become a civil party in the ongoing Swiss criminal proceedings related to the catastrophic fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, which claimed 41 lives on New Year's Day. The move, justified by the significant financial and logistical resources Rome deployed to assist Italian victims, underscores the cross-border dimensions of the tragedy.
The blaze erupted in the early hours of 1 January as patrons celebrated the new year in the basement of the upscale Alpine resort establishment. Swiss prosecutors believe the fire was ignited when champagne bottles fitted with sparklers were raised too close to the ceiling, setting alight sound-insulation foam. The inferno killed 41 people—most of them teenagers—and left 115 injured.
Italy's Civil Claim and Ongoing Investigations
In a statement, the Italian government explained that its civil claim was prompted by "the substantial resources" used for "medical, psychological and logistical assistance to the Italian nationals involved." The statement also noted that "the involvement of local authorities in the genesis of the event is considered highly probable," justifying "the firm demand for compensation against all parties held civilly liable."
The bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face charges in Switzerland of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson. They have been questioned twice at length by public prosecutors and lawyers representing civil parties. The Swiss investigation has revealed that no annual safety check had been conducted at the bar since 2019.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has vowed to pursue justice for the Italian victims. Italy has opened its own parallel investigation into the fire, even as the Swiss probe continues. Meloni previously issued a sharp rebuke after a hospital in Sion allegedly billed families of victims €70,000 for patients hospitalised for only a few hours, calling it "an insult on top of a mockery." Swiss authorities later assured Rome that the billing was a mistake and that families would not have to pay.
Italy's decision to join the Swiss proceedings as a civil party is a rare but not unprecedented step in cross-border disaster cases. It allows Rome to seek compensation for the costs it incurred and to monitor the legal process closely. The government confirmed it would continue to provide "full and uninterrupted support" to victims' families.
The tragedy has also reignited debates about safety regulations in Swiss nightlife venues and the responsibilities of local authorities. Italy's statement pointed to potential failures by local inspectors, a claim that Swiss authorities have not yet addressed publicly.
As the legal process unfolds in Switzerland, Italy's involvement signals that the disaster will have lasting diplomatic and legal repercussions between the two neighbouring countries. For the families of the six Italian victims, the civil party status offers a formal channel to seek accountability and compensation.
