An 18-year-old Swiss national died in a Zurich hospital from injuries sustained in the Jan. 1 bar fire in Crans-Montana, Swiss prosecutors said, bringing the total number of deaths to 41 about a month after the tragedy. The Swiss public prosecutor said the victim died Saturday and that it would not provide further information on the status of the investigation.
Investigators have previously said they believe the fire started when sparkling candles placed on top of Champagne bottles came too close to the ceiling at Le Constellation bar, which was packed at the time. They said the ignition occurred less than two hours after midnight on Jan. 1 in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana.
Authorities are examining whether materials used in the ceiling met fire-safety requirements and whether the candles used in the celebration were permitted for use in the bar. Investigators have also said fire safety inspections had not been carried out since 2019.
Swiss prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into the bar owners, French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti, on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and causing a fire by negligence. The case includes determinations by Swiss courts in the early stages of the investigation.
On Jan. 12, the court of compulsory measures in the southwestern Valais region ordered three months of pretrial detention for Jacques Moretti. The court later ordered his release on bail on Jan. 23—an action MSI previously reported in its coverage of the investigation.
With Crans-Montana located in the Valais region, the resort is known for high-altitude ski runs rising around 3,000 meters (nearly 9,850 feet), and it hosts major international alpine skiing competitions.