The owner of a Swiss nightclub where a devastating fire killed dozens of people on New Year's Eve has said he and his wife are unable to eat or sleep following the tragedy.
New Year's Celebration Turns to Tragedy
The fire broke out at Le Constellation Bar in the popular ski resort of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during celebrations to mark the start of 2026. Authorities have confirmed that at least 40 people lost their lives, including tourists, with more than 115 others injured, some suffering severe third-degree burns.
In his first public comments since the disaster, the bar's co-owner, 49-year-old Jacques Moretti, told Swiss publication 20 Minuten of his profound distress. "We can neither sleep nor eat, we are all very unwell," he stated. He insisted that "everything had been done according to regulation" in preparation for the event.
Investigation Focuses on Sparklers and Safety
Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze was ignited by sparklers attached to champagne bottles. Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general for the Valais region, explained, "We assume that the fire originated from sparklers attached to champagne bottles. From there, the ceiling caught fire."
The fire is reported to have spread with terrifying speed, rapidly consuming the venue which was packed with international revellers. Ms Pilloud confirmed that the investigation is also examining the materials used in the building, the functionality of emergency exits, the availability of fire extinguishers, and whether the bar was over its occupancy limit.
Families Await News as Nation Mourns
The aftermath has left families in agonising uncertainty, with parents searching the resort for missing loved ones. Among those unaccounted for is British-educated teenager Charlotte Niddam, a former pupil of Immanuel College, a private Jewish school in Hertfordshire.
In response to the national tragedy, Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced that the country will observe five days of mourning. Mr Moretti, who lives with his 40-year-old wife Jessica on Corsica, vowed full cooperation, saying, "We will do everything we can to help clarify the causes. Our lawyers are also involved."
Jessica Moretti, who has educational links to the UK having studied at the University of Glamorgan in Wales, is believed to have been present at the bar when the fire started, unlike her husband. The couple, described as a hardworking and successful team, opened Le Constellation in December 2015 after falling in love with the area during a holiday in 2011.
