The proprietors of the Swiss bar where a tragic fire claimed the lives of 40 individuals on New Year’s have been living under police protection, a recent revelation discloses. Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica were granted heightened security measures due to escalating public outrage following the calamity, which resulted in the deaths of 20 children, some as young as 14, and left 116 others injured. Jean Moretti, father of Jacques, confirmed the protective measures while staunchly defending his son and daughter-in-law against charges of negligence-related manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson.
Expressing his views, Jean stated, “My son carries a level of responsibility as it is his business, but whether he is culpable remains uncertain. Ultimately, we will answer to the legal system. We will not evade or deny our obligations.” Emphasizing their integrity, he added, “We are law-abiding citizens, not criminals. I know my son. He would never flee. It’s a matter of integrity. Our thoughts are with the victims. We, too, have lost family members and dear ones. We grieve daily. Sleep eludes me.”
Jacques Moretti was detained for pre-trial investigation after being interrogated by prosecutors, while his wife Jessica, aged 40, was questioned but subsequently released. Mrs. Moretti tearfully expressed remorse outside the Public Prosecutors Office in Sion, stating, “My heart goes out to the victims and those currently battling. This is an inconceivable tragedy. We never could have imagined this. It occurred in our establishment, and I apologize.”
The fire, believed to have originated in the bar’s basement due to champagne bottles with party sparklers igniting sound insulation foam on the ceiling, is under scrutiny by investigators. The probe will assess the accountability of both the bar owners and authorities, who acknowledged the absence of fire safety inspections at the bar since 2019. Among the casualties and injured, there were individuals of 19 different nationalities, with 83 victims still under medical care.
During an official memorial service, young survivors delivered poignant speeches that moved French President Emmanuel Macron to tears. Marie Albrecht, Aline Morisoli, and Solal Heimendinger, who witnessed the tragedy, spoke emotionally at the ceremony, attended by approximately 1,000 people, including relatives of the deceased, emergency responders, and officials in Martigny. Aline Morisoli conveyed a message of resilience, urging continued perseverance amidst challenges and advocating for a better world.
Acknowledging the efforts of emergency services and hospital staff, Solal Heimendinger expressed gratitude, leading to an emotional tribute from attendees at the service. A minute of silence was observed nationwide in memory of the victims, with church bells tolling for five minutes across Switzerland. Mathias Reynard, President of the Valais State Council, addressed mourners, acknowledging the tragedy and vowing to honor the lives lost.
