Swiss Fire: Bar Owners Face New Questions Over Fatal Blaze

Bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti are set to be re-questioned by public prosecutors and lawyers representing victims of a fatal New Year's Eve fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. The blaze at Le Constellation bar killed 41 people, predominantly teenagers, and injured 115 others.

“

The format of the cross-examination is at the discretion of the prosecutors: any form is possible.

Romain Jordan, a lawyer for the civil parties, stated that the prosecutors have evidence they intend to present to the Morettis. "Our expectation remains the same: to get answers, to know the truth and all the responsibilities, so that this can never happen again," he said. Jordan emphasized that this hearing is the "last opportunity offered to the Morettis to tell the truth, the whole truth; the victims need this, for their grieving process and for their recovery."

“

I believe they have evidence that they wish to submit to both of them, first and foremost.

The Morettis face charges including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Jacques Moretti was previously scheduled for questioning on April 7, but the hearing was postponed due to medical reasons. The couple has already been questioned twice since the criminal investigation began and is currently barred from leaving the country.

“

Our expectation remains the same: to get answers, to know the truth and all the responsibilities, so that this can never happen again.

In total, 14 individuals, including current and former local officials, are under criminal investigation. The investigation will scrutinize the local authority's conduct and the bar's fire prevention measures. Prosecutors suspect the fire started when champagne bottle sparklers ignited sound-insulation foam on the basement ceiling. Notably, no annual municipal safety checks had been conducted at the bar since 2019.

“

This hearing is the last opportunity offered to the Morettis to tell the truth, the whole truth; the victims need this, for their grieving process and for their recovery.