The owners of a Swiss Alpine bar where a catastrophic fire claimed 40 lives on New Year's Eve have arrived at court to face further questioning. Jacques Moretti and Jessica Moretti, the French proprietors of Le Constellation bar in the luxury resort of Crans-Montana, presented themselves at the office of the public prosecutor in Sion, Valais, this morning.
Charges and the Morning Hearing
The couple are confronting serious legal allegations following the tragedy that also left 116 people injured. The charges brought against them include manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Their appearance marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into one of Switzerland's deadliest modern fires.
Details of the New Year's Eve Tragedy
The fire erupted at the Le Constellation bar on the evening of 31 December, during what should have been a night of celebration. The venue, located in the upscale ski destination of Crans-Montana, was reportedly crowded. Most of the 40 victims were teenagers, a detail that has compounded the sense of horror and loss within the local and international community. The scale of the incident, with 40 fatalities and 116 injured, points to a rapidly spreading blaze that caused chaos and trapped many inside.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Process
The hearing at the public prosecutor's office is part of the formal judicial process to determine the circumstances that led to the fire. Authorities are examining whether negligence in safety procedures, building regulations, or management contributed to the high death toll. The case has drawn intense scrutiny to safety standards in hospitality venues across popular European ski resorts. The outcome of today's questioning could influence whether the case proceeds to a full trial.
The community of Crans-Montana and the families of the victims continue to mourn as the legal proceedings seek to establish accountability for the devastating New Year's horror.
