Swiss Bar Owners Questioned Over New Year’s Day Fire That Killed 41
Sion, Switzerland – Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the co-owners of the Swiss bar Le Constellation, were questioned on Wednesday, February 11, by lawyers representing families of the victims who died in a devastating fire on New Year’s Day. The blaze in Crans-Montana resulted in 41 deaths and injured 115 others, many of whom were teenagers and young adults, including French and Italian nationals.
The Morettis, who arrived hand-in-hand for the hearing in Sion, made no comment to reporters. Jessica Moretti is scheduled to be questioned on Thursday, February 12.
The questioning comes as part of a criminal investigation into potential manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The couple remain free under judicial supervision, with Jacques Moretti having been released on bail last month.
A Private Encounter with a Mother’s Grief
In a rare and intensely personal moment, Leila Micheloud, the mother of two daughters injured in the fire, had a private conversation with Jacques and Jessica Moretti. Micheloud had expressed her desire to speak with the couple directly, seeking answers and a connection beyond the legal proceedings.
Sébastien Fanti, a lawyer representing the victims’ families, described the encounter as “an extremely intense moment and rare in its humanity,” but declined to disclose the details of their conversation. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the victims as individuals, stating, “They too had faces.”
According to their lawyer, Yaël Hayat, the meeting was an “instant rare” that “may be a moment of appeasement in shared suffering.” The Morettis are reportedly willing to meet with other family members who wish to speak with them.
Seeking Truth and Accountability
The families of the victims are demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for the tragedy. Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, who lost her 16-year-old son Arthur in the fire, stated, “There must be no more lies. I want everyone to take responsibility.”
Lawyers for the families have expressed frustration with the pace and structure of the investigation, with some criticizing what they described as an “inertie” (inertia) in the questioning process. Romain Jordan, representing several families, said Jacques Moretti displayed a “somewhat evasive attitude” and “arrogance towards the plaintiffs.”
The investigation is focused on determining the cause of the fire, which authorities believe was sparked by candles, and whether safety regulations were adequately followed. The bar had not undergone a fire safety inspection since 2019, despite being required annually.
Expanding the Scope of the Investigation
The inquiry is also examining the roles of local authorities, including the current and former heads of Crans-Montana’s security department, both of whom have been questioned. Several lawyers have called for the investigation to extend to those responsible for enforcing safety regulations.
According to reports, the fire began when sparks from “fontaine” candles ignited soundproofing foam on the ceiling of the bar’s basement. The investigation aims to establish the precise circumstances that led to the blaze and to determine who bears responsibility for the disaster.
Jacques Moretti, upon leaving the hearing, declined to comment, stating only, “We want to go home” and promising a future statement. The pursuit of answers and justice continues for the families affected by the tragedy in Crans-Montana.
