The owners of a ski resort bar are under scrutiny in court for a tragic fire that resulted in the deaths of 40 individuals and caused injuries to 116 others.
Jacques Moretti and Jessica Moretti, who run Le Constellation bar, attended a hearing at the public prosecutor’s office in Sion, Switzerland, following the incident. The fire broke out during a New Year celebration at the upscale Alpine location of Crans-Montana, leading to a chaotic situation as attendees tried to escape the burning building.
The French couple is facing charges related to negligence, including manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson. They were summoned for questioning after the tragic event claimed the lives of 40 people, predominantly teenagers, and left 116 others wounded.
This fire ranks among the worst in Swiss history, prompting heartfelt tributes to the victims. The investigation suggests that the blaze may have started due to candle sparklers held too close to the ceiling, raising concerns about the ceiling material compliance with safety regulations.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a bartender lifting a colleague with a lit sparkler, leading to the rapid spread of flames and the subsequent collapse of the wooden ceiling. The chaotic evacuation process from the basement nightclub area caused a surge of people through a narrow exit, resulting in injuries and difficulties in escaping, as recounted by survivors.
In the aftermath, individuals resorted to breaking windows to flee, with brave bystanders like Gianni Campolo and Marc-Antoine Chavanon rushing to assist the injured. The tragic scene left many severely harmed and in dire need of help.
Authorities confirmed that 119 individuals sustained injuries in the fast-spreading fire fueled by combustible materials. The victims, aged between 14 and 39, included the young Charlotte Niddam, who had received education in the UK.
Families have taken legal action by filing complaints with the Swiss prosecutor’s office, with each family joining as plaintiffs in the ongoing proceedings. Allegations of inadequate safety standards during a renovation in 2015 have prompted a deeper investigation into the fire safety measures and building compliance.
Reports from Tribune de Genève revealed statements from Mr. Moretti asserting that the bar had passed inspections multiple times over the past decade, emphasizing adherence to standards. The couple operates two other establishments in the vicinity.
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