Crans-Montana Fire & Moretti Family: Violence Against Lawyers & Safety Concerns

Swiss Bar Fire: Families Confront Owners, Investigation Faces Scrutiny

February 16, 2026 – Bereaved families have directly confronted the owners of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, following a New Year’s Day fire that claimed 41 lives and injured 115 others. The confrontations occurred as Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the bar’s owners, attended a hearing in Sion regarding the tragedy.

According to reports, relatives waiting outside the hearing venue angrily accosted the Morettis upon their arrival. Gulcin Kaya, the mother of 18-year-old Taylan Kaya who died in the fire, reportedly shouted at Jacques Moretti, demanding to know where her son was. Moretti responded, stating, “We will take responsibility, we will face up to it, we promise you, we are here for justice,” while his wife, Jessica Moretti, was visibly distraught.

Tobyas Pidoux, the brother of 17-year-old Trystan Pidoux, who also perished in the blaze, confronted Jacques Moretti, shouting, “You killed my big brother, you bitch, do you understand! Look me in the eyes: you killed my brother.” Pidoux was wearing a t-shirt displaying a photograph of himself and his brother.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of January 1, is believed to have been caused by champagne bottles with sparklers ignited too close to the ceiling in the bar’s basement, igniting sound insulation foam.

The investigation into the fire is facing increasing scrutiny. Lawyers involved in the case have criticized the initial handling of the investigation, citing a chaotic start and raising concerns about potential collusion. Questions have been raised regarding the lack of routine autopsies performed on the victims. Some families expressed shock and dismay that autopsies were not automatically ordered, shaking their confidence in the thoroughness of the investigation.

The parents of Cyane, another victim of the fire, have stated that their daughter experienced difficult working conditions at Le Constellation, prompting calls for improved protections for employees in the hospitality industry.

Recent reports indicate a development in Jessica Moretti’s legal situation: the financial guarantee required for her conditional release has reportedly disappeared. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings.

An audit conducted in 2023 revealed critical shortcomings in the commune’s safety protocols, described as “accablant” (damning) by local media. The audit reportedly highlighted that local officials were aware of potential safety issues prior to the fire.

The tragedy has also prompted scrutiny of the Moretti family’s broader business interests and property holdings. Attention is turning to the extent of their assets and business practices as the investigation continues.

The incident has had a significant impact on the local community and real estate market in Crans-Montana. The investigation is ongoing, and the Morettis are expected to continue to face questions from lawyers representing the victims’ families as the legal process unfolds.