Background on the Incident and Key Players
On New Year’s Day, a devastating fire broke out at the Le Costellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, resulting in 40 fatalities and 119 injuries, mostly among young revelers.
Jacques Moretti, a French national, is the owner of Le Costellation bar along with his wife Jessica. The establishment, located on the ground floor of a residential building with a capacity for 300 people and an additional 40 on its terrace, has been the subject of scrutiny following the tragedy.
Bar Details and Security Measures
According to Moretti, the bar underwent three inspections over a decade. Le Constellation is situated in the basement of a residential building, connected to the ground floor by a narrow staircase, as eyewitnesses described.
Investigation and Findings
Béatrice Pilloud, the prosecutor for the Swiss canton of Valais (southwest), stated that adherence to security regulations in the establishment is a central focus of the ongoing investigation.
Pilloud reported that preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from fireworks or bengal light sticks placed on champagne bottles. Both bar owners were unharmed and questioned as witnesses, with no penal responsibility established at this time.
Moretti’s statements have provided crucial information regarding the bar layout, recent renovations, capacity, and the compilation of attendees present during the fire.
Owner’s Whereabouts During the Incident
Media reports indicate that Jacques Moretti was not at the bar when the fire started but at one of the couple’s other establishments. Jessica Moretti, however, was present and sustained minor injuries but managed to return home.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Jacques Moretti? Jacques Moretti is a French national and co-owner, along with his wife Jessica, of the Le Costellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
- What happened during the New Year’s Eve fire? A devastating fire broke out at Le Costellation bar, resulting in 40 fatalities and 119 injuries, mostly young revelers.
- What are the key findings of the investigation? Preliminary findings suggest that the fire originated from fireworks or bengal light sticks placed on champagne bottles.
- Where was Jacques Moretti during the fire? Media reports indicate that Jacques Moretti was not at Le Costellation bar when the fire started but at one of the couple’s other establishments.
- What is Jessica Moretti’s involvement in the incident? Jessica Moretti was present at Le Costellation bar during the fire and sustained minor injuries but managed to return home.
