The proprietors of the nightclub that was engulfed in a devastating fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 47 individuals and causing injuries to 115 others, have connections to the United Kingdom, it was revealed today.
Jacques Moretti and his spouse Jessica, prominent figures in the Swiss hospitality sector, established their bar named Le Constellation in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in December 2015 following a vacation in the town. Unfortunately, the establishment was obliterated in a fierce fire on New Year’s Day, claiming numerous lives, including young partygoers.
According to Mrs. Moretti’s Facebook profile, the 40-year-old woman previously studied at the University of Glamorgan, with educational stints at the International University of Monaco and the Montpelier Business School in France. The couple, rumored to have a son, currently resides on the French island of Corsica. Crans-Montana, predominantly French-speaking, is a popular destination for French tourists seeking skiing and golfing vacations.
The Morettis inaugurated their bar in December 2015, described as an “elegant venue” with a lively ambiance on the Crans-Montana website. Notably, it was one of the few bars in the resort permitting entry to individuals aged 16 and above, unlike the standard age restriction of 18.
Reports suggest that witnesses attribute the fire’s cause to sparklers placed in champagne bottles, although authorities are conducting an investigation to ascertain the precise origin of the blaze.
Mrs. Moretti was reportedly present inside the club when the fire broke out, sustaining burns on her arm, while her husband was occupied at another of their establishments. Sources indicate that the couple is deeply shocked by the incident.
Following the launch of Le Constellation, the Morettis expanded their culinary ventures in Switzerland, earning a reputation as a diligent and accomplished husband-and-wife team. Local media lauded them for their zeal and dynamism in their various projects.
However, they now confront scrutiny regarding the fire at Le Constellation, situated in a previously abandoned structure, as distraught parents continue to search for their missing teenage children. A young man, Rayan Guiren, aged 18, expressed the collective anguish of parents desperately seeking their offspring.
Recent footage depicts the fatal flashover, capturing the moment when champagne sparklers ignited material on the nightclub’s ceiling. Witnesses recounted the chaotic scene, emphasizing the narrow staircase’s challenges during the evacuation.
Police Commander Frédéric Gisler confirmed that the fire originated in the bar’s basement, leading to a crush as patrons attempted to exit via a single staircase. The investigation into the tragic incident remains ongoing.
