The deadly fire that broke out at a Swiss bar on New Year’s Eve, killing 40 and injuring 116, has sparked a heated debate as the owners face criminal charges. The lawyers representing the bar’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, have spoken out against the “vindictiveness” directed towards their clients, claiming they were “devastated” by the tragedy.
Initial findings from the investigation suggest the fire began when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited the soundproof foam lining the ceiling of the basement of Le Constellation bar in the popular ski resort of Crans-Montana. Authorities have acknowledged that the bar had not undergone safety checks for five years, raising questions about the venue’s compliance with regulations.
The majority of the victims were young, with eight under the age of 16, and many are being treated in hospitals for severe burns. The local media has been filled with stories about the couple and the venue they managed, increasing pressure on the authorities as they investigate the accident and consider prosecution.
In an interview, the Moretti’s lawyers have sought to “restore the truth” and deny reports that Jessica Moretti had fled the burning building with cash from the register. Yaël Hayat, one of the lawyers, stated: “In no way did she leave the scene in a hurry; she stayed there to help and support the injured.”
Patrick Michod, representing Jacques Moretti, acknowledged the couple’s sense of responsibility, but argued that the question of criminal liability is “obviously not the same thing as the feelings one may have as the operator.” Regarding the flammable foam lining the ceiling, Michod claimed his client had obtained the material from a “major construction retailer” that did not disclose its highly flammable nature.
Lawyers representing the family of Cyane Panine, a staff member at Le Constellation who died in the blaze, have stated that she had received no safety training and was unaware of the danger posed by the ceiling. Hayat described Panine as a close friend of the Moretti couple, and presented a postcard she had written to them, expressing her hope to “continue to grow alongside you and that we will spend many more New Year’s Eves together.”
The Moretti couple have been accused by authorities of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Jessica Moretti has been subjected to a travel ban as an alternative to pre-trial detention, while Jacques Moretti is being held in custody for an initial period of 90 days. Prosecutors have also requested a 400,000-franc bail as a condition for their release.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy has left a community in mourning and raised pressing questions about the safety standards and regulatory oversight in the Swiss ski resort industry.