A New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killed 40 people; owners accused of negligence and destroying evidence
Couple Accused of Destroying Evidence After Deadly Fire
The couple who owned the Swiss resort bar where 40 people died have been accused of destroying evidence by blocking social media accounts after the fire.
Jacques Moretti, 49, and Jessica Moretti, 40, are suspected of manslaughter by negligence. This follows allegations of insufficient safety standards after the New Year’s Eve blaze.
The owners of Le Constellation are accused of disabling their social media accounts during rescue operations.
Details of the Incident
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 1:30 AM | Fire broke out after sparklers ignited flammable foam on the ceiling. |
| 3:00 AM – 6:30 AM | Social media accounts were suspended during rescue operations. |
Romain Jordan, a lawyer for some of the 116 injured, stated that the bar suspended its Facebook and Instagram accounts while rescue operations were ongoing. He noted, “It’s curious that while the emergency operation was under way, someone was thinking about this.”
Jordan claimed the bar had been advertising its New Year festivities before the suspension. He said, “They showed how the bar was, and [the suspension] shows that the question of security came to the managers’ minds straight away.”
Fire Safety Concerns
Witnesses reported that partygoers were trapped inside the bar with only a narrow staircase leading to the main exit. Two former employees, known as Maxime and Sarah, claimed that fire extinguishers were often locked away and the emergency exit door was sometimes bolted shut.
Maxime stated, “There was definitely a risk and the safety measures were a bit dicey … staff weren’t briefed on fire safety and the emergency exit was sometimes blocked or locked.”
The Crans-Montana council admitted that the bar had not undergone its annual safety inspection for over five years. Local president Nicolas Féraud expressed regret, saying, “We bitterly regret this.”
Ongoing Investigation
Valais Police are continuing their investigation into the Morettis, who are suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson. Jacques Moretti has maintained the couple’s innocence, stating, “Everything was done according to the standards.”
The couple released a joint statement saying they are “devastated” and thinking of the victims. They added they would “in no way try to shirk” responsibility.
Community Remembrance
A remembrance procession took place in Crans-Montana, with over 2,000 mourners walking in silence from a church service to the fire scene. Residents wiped tears from their eyes during the hour-long service as flags flew at half mast.
People gathered around a makeshift memorial to pay their respects by laying flowers, candles, and messages near the Constellation bar.
