Montana
Service door of Crans-Montana bar where 40 died in fire was locked from inside, owner says
The French owner of the Swiss bar where 40 people died in a fire during new year celebrations has told investigators a service door had been locked from the inside.
Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Constellation bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, was taken into custody on Friday, as prosecutors investigated the tragedy.
Most of the 40 people who died were teenagers, and another 116 people were injured.
Moretti told the Valais public prosecutor’s office that he had found out about the locked door just after the deadly fire.
When he arrived at the scene, he forced open the door, according to excerpts from police reports published by several French and Swiss media outlets confirmed to AFP by a source close to the case.
Moretti said he had found several people lying behind the door after opening it.
Initial findings suggest the fire was caused by sparklers coming into contact with soundproofing foam installed on the ceiling of the establishment’s basement.
Questions are also being raised regarding the presence and accessibility of fire extinguishers, and whether the bar’s exits were in compliance with regulations.
No safety inspections at site of Swiss bar fire for past five years, mayor says
“We always add a sparkler candle when we serve a bottle of wine in the dining room,” said his wife and co-owner, Jessica, who was released after Friday’s hearing.
Moretti told investigators he had carried out tests and the candles were not powerful enough to ignite the acoustic foam.
He said he bought the foam in a DIY store and installed it himself during renovations carried out after buying the establishment in 2015.
Regarding the presence of numerous underage kids in the bar at the time of the tragedy, Moretti said the establishment prohibited anyone under the age of 16 and that customers aged 16 to 18 had to be accompanied by an adult.
He said he had given these “instructions” to the security staff, but acknowledged that “it is possible that there was a lapse in protocol”.
The couple is suspected of “negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson”.
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 25, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from April 25 drawing
04-30-36-52-57, Powerball: 02, Power Play: 3
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Winning Lotto America numbers from April 25 drawing
03-15-23-32-36, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 03
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Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 25 drawing
04-21-25-31, Bonus: 02
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Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from April 25 drawing
03-06-09-51-65, Powerball: 12
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Winning Montana Cash numbers from April 25 drawing
10-15-38-39-42
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Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 25 drawing
03-22-26-44-47, Bonus: 02
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Last week on the Montana Outdoor Radio Show, we talked all things runoff. Reports from across the state highlighted rising rivers, muddy water, and anglers shifting gears to find fishable conditions.
We also covered where to look when your favorite river blows out, what techniques are working in higher water, and how quickly conditions can change with a few warm days. Of course, there were a few stories about showing up to chocolate milk rivers and having to scramble for a backup plan.
If you missed it, catch the full episode now for statewide fishing updates, spring conditions, and all the latest Montana outdoor talk.
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