Crans-Montana Fire: Jessica Moretti’s Account of the ‘Apocalyptic’ Night

Crans-Montana Bar Fire: Owner Describes ‘Apocalyptic’ Scene, Actions on Night of Tragedy

Crans-Montana, Switzerland – New details have emerged regarding the events surrounding the devastating fire at Le Constellation bar on New Year’s Eve, as investigators continue to examine the actions of bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti. Recent interrogation transcripts reveal Jessica Moretti’s account of the night, including her initial observations of the blaze and the steps she took as the fire rapidly spread.

The fire, which claimed the lives of 41 people and injured 116 others, has prompted a criminal investigation and widespread scrutiny of safety protocols at the popular ski resort destination. Authorities set a hearing for Jessica Moretti in connection with the fire, as the examination progresses in the alpine town, according to reports.

Early Hours of the Fire

Moretti described a seemingly normal evening leading up to the fire. She reportedly assisted with service due to staff shortages, mentioning to a former employee that they were understaffed. Moretti also gave instructions for a champagne bottle procession, including assigning Cyane Panine to wear a helmet, and carried the last two bottles herself. She then moved to a lounge area near the staircase.

The Moment the Fire Broke Out

According to her statement, Moretti noticed an orange light in a corner of the bar. Recognizing the danger, she immediately shouted, “Tout le monde sort!” – “Everyone get out!” – She explained to investigators that she didn’t attempt to use a fire extinguisher, stating she was unable to move against the flow of fleeing patrons. As a “daughter of a firefighter,” her first instinct was to alert the fire department, a decision she cites as the reason she didn’t instruct the DJ to stop the music.

Moretti also stated she relied on the bar’s security guard, Stefan Ivanovic, to take appropriate action. When asked why she didn’t stop the music, she responded, “When I turn around, there are flames, everything is orange, you can no longer see the end. I wanted people to get out. I didn’t want to go against them. And I thought Stefan was downstairs and would do what was necessary; he was extremely competent.”

Evacuation and Aftermath

Moretti recounted running up the stairs towards the veranda to raise the alarm. Surveillance footage, she says, shows her ascending the stairs, moving with the crowd rather than running. Upon reaching the top, she reportedly shouted, “Il y a le feu, il y a le feu” – “There is a fire, there is a fire” – and instructed people to evacuate the upper level.

At 1:28 AM, she called emergency services and shortly after, contacted her husband, Jacques Moretti, who was working at another establishment, Le Senso. The call lasted 11 seconds, during which she reportedly told him, “Il y a le feu au Constel … viens vite!” – “There’s a fire at Constellation… come quickly!”

Reanimation Attempts

Following the chaos, Jessica and Jacques Moretti, along with a staff member, located Cyane Panine and attempted to revive her. Jessica Moretti assisted with the resuscitation efforts and helped transport Panine. She also sought medical assistance before leaving with her husband after over an hour of attempts to save Panine’s life.

Ongoing Questions and Investigation

Lawyers representing the victims’ families have raised numerous questions regarding Moretti’s actions before, during, and after the fire. These include why the fire wasn’t extinguished sooner, why the music wasn’t stopped, how Moretti assisted with the evacuation, why a door was reportedly locked, what safety training was provided to staff, who authorized the champagne bottle procession, how underage patrons were allowed entry, and whether any evidence was deleted or witness statements were influenced.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are considering all possible factors that contributed to the tragedy. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but Swiss authorities believe it likely started when lit sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited acoustic foam on the ceiling.

The tragedy prompted a national day of mourning on January 9, 2026, in Switzerland. The case continues to draw attention from both Swiss and international authorities, with investigations also opened in Italy, as many of the victims were Italian citizens.