Background on the Incident and Key Players
On New Year’s night, a devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, resulted in 40 fatalities, mostly teenagers, and left 116 others injured. The bar’s French co-owner, Jacques Moretti, is under investigation for potential negligence leading to the tragedy.
Who is Jacques Moretti?
Jacques Moretti, one of the two owners of Le Constellation bar, has been detained since Friday following an initial court hearing. He and his wife, Jessica Moretti, are suspected of negligence resulting in homicide, bodily injury, and arson.
Key Details of the Investigation
- Blocked Service Door: Jacques Moretti informed investigators that a “service door” was obstructed from the inside when he arrived at the bar post-fire. He stated that this door was not marked as an emergency exit.
- Fire Cause: Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was ignited by fireworks placed inside champagne bottles.
- Fire Extinguishers and Evacuation: There are concerns regarding the availability and accessibility of fire extinguishers, as well as compliance with emergency exit regulations in the bar.
Moretti’s Statements and Defense
Jacques Moretti acknowledged that fireworks are typically ignited when serving champagne bottles in the bar’s lounge. He and his wife have maintained that they’ve followed this practice for a decade without incident.
Moretti admits that fireworks “could have started the fire,” but he believes there must be additional factors at play. He conducted tests to confirm that the fireworks weren’t potent enough to ignite acoustic foam.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Following the investigation, the cantonal prosecutor’s office in Valais will decide whether to close the case or issue an accusation leading to a potential trial.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the owners of Le Constellation bar? Jacques and Jessica Moretti, a French couple.
- What is the cause of the fire? Preliminary investigations suggest that champagne bottles with fireworks inside were the cause.
- What are the Moretis under investigation for? Homicide, bodily injury, and arson due to alleged negligence.
- What is the status of the investigation? The cantonal prosecutor’s office in Valais will decide whether to close the case or issue an accusation for a potential trial.
