Swiss Prosecutors Confront Moretti Couple Over Deadly Crans‑Montana Bar Fire

Overview

• The bar fire on New Year’s Eve killed 41 people and injured 115, mostly teenagers and young adults who were celebrating inside Le Constellation.
• Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal inquiry that now targets 14 people, including Jacques and Jessica Moretti and several current or former municipal officials, on counts such as negligent homicide, negligent bodily injury and negligent arson.
• Investigators say initial technical work shows sparks from decorative 'bougies fontaine' ignited an acoustic insulating foam on the basement ceiling and started the blaze.
• On Friday in Sion the Moretti spouses were questioned in a formal confrontation hearing attended by victims, survivors and their lawyers, who pressed for answers about closed exits, the foam’s origin and safety measures; Jacques Moretti was previously held in January and released on CHF 200,000 bail, and an April audition was postponed for medical reasons.
• During the hearing prosecutors added a fraud-related charge against Jessica Moretti over a suspicious invoice for the foam, the probe is continuing and investigators are also probing the lack of municipal safety inspections since 2019, which could broaden legal responsibility.