Furious relatives of the 41 victims and 115 injured in the fire at the “Le Constellation” club in Crans-Montana on New Year’s 2026 have learned that two restaurants owned by Jessica and Jacques Moretti are set to reopen. Specifically, “Senso” in Crans-Montana and “Le Vieux-Chalet” in Lens — properties belonging to the couple, who are still under investigation for manslaughter, grievous bodily harm, and negligent arson — are to be leased to a third party, meaning they will be rented out so that the assets can be maintained through the tenant, who will also pay rent. Their three lawyers stressed that their clients have “begun the procedures for reopening the establishments, which currently remain closed.” This has naturally triggered widespread outrage, resulting in nearly 30,000 signatures being collected on Change.org, where a campaign was launched.
Read more: Crans-Montana: Bar co-owner “fled the fire without warning patrons”
Crans-Montana: Why this could benefit the victims’ families
According to the Swiss lawyers of Jessica and Jacques Moretti, this development is actually in the interest of the victims’ families. They stated that “all of the Moretti couple’s assets have been seized by criminal authorities.” They also emphasized that freezing the businesses could lead to bankruptcy, meaning there would be no capital left to award to the families. The goal, therefore, is the “preservation of assets.” They further noted that the release of information regarding the possible reopening of the two venues “led some people to issue insults, waves of hatred, and even death threats.”
For his part, Christophe Darbellay flatly rejected any possibility of “Le Constellation” reopening in its previous form. The president of the Canton of Valais government was unequivocal, stating that it “will never reopen as a bar.” He added that he hopes the space will be repurposed in the future for young people.
A memorial to honor the victims
Darbellay also spoke about a memorial to be created for the victims and the rescue workers who responded on New Year’s 2026. In an interview with the newspaper “Le Temps,” he stressed that the initiative “must come from civil society and give a central role to the families of the victims.” The shared goal, he said, is for the memorial to be “beautiful, peaceful, and accessible.” He noted that it should appropriately honor those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and those who saved or tried to save others. He also mentioned plans for a remembrance ceremony on January 1, 2027.
The newly appointed canton president — who took office on May 1, 2026, for a one-year term — stated that those responsible will be held accountable. “We owe the truth to these young people. Those responsible will answer for their actions,” he said emphatically. So far, no liability has been attributed to the canton itself. Among the 14 suspects are the bar’s co-owners, the Moretti couple, as well as individuals connected or formerly connected to the municipality.
However, Darbellay warned that it “cannot be ruled out” that other individuals from the canton’s administration or authorities may also face charges. “It is a matter for the courts to decide, and we must respect their judgment,” he concluded.
