Bar co-owner charged with forgery in fatal Swiss fire investigation

Prosecutors in Switzerland have levied new charges against Jessica Moretti, a co-owner of the bar where a devastating fire claimed 41 lives. Moretti is now accused of document forgery, a charge stemming from a 2015 invoice related to the purchase of foam material used as cladding in the "Le Constellation" bar.

The fire, which erupted on New Year's Eve, is believed to have been started by pyrotechnics that ignited the foam ceiling. Investigators suspect the material's flammability contributed significantly to the rapid spread of the blaze, trapping and killing mostly young patrons. In total, 115 people were injured in the incident.

Moretti's lawyer vehemently denied the forgery accusation, asserting that the invoice in question has "strictly no connection to the Crans-Montana tragedy." He stated this after Moretti and her husband, Jacques Moretti, underwent hours of questioning by the public prosecutor's office in the canton of Valais.

Beyond the forgery allegations, the Morettis are already facing charges of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson. Investigations are also ongoing against several other parties deemed potentially responsible. Notably, the local municipality has admitted that no fire safety inspections had been conducted at the bar since 2019, despite being mandated annually.

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The invoice in question has strictly no connection to the Crans-Montana tragedy.