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Victims’ Lawyers Question Crans‑Montana Bar Owners as Fire Inquiry Widens

Victims’ counsel seek answers on uninspected foam, lapsed controls, and lost archives.

Overview

  • Owner Jacques Moretti is being questioned in Sion by dozens of civil‑party lawyers for the first time, with co‑owner Jessica Moretti scheduled to appear on Thursday.
  • Investigators say the blaze likely began when sparkler candles ignited acoustic insulation affixed to the basement ceiling of Le Constellation.
  • Municipal records show no required annual fire‑safety inspections since 2019, and the former security chief acknowledged he never examined the foam, citing a limited inspection remit.
  • An IT collapse tied to an external contractor in 2023 left inspection archives inaccessible for years, which officials say disrupted oversight and delayed checks.
  • The case file totals roughly 2,000 pages and over 8,500 exhibits with 263 civil parties represented by 74 lawyers, hearings of security officials will resume, a recusal request is pending, and some victims’ families plan to gather outside Thursday’s session.