The owners of a Swiss bar where a devastating fire killed 40 people on New Year's Eve have arrived at court to face questioning over the tragedy.
Owners Arrive for Prosecution Hearing
Jacques Moretti and Jessica Moretti, the French couple who own the Le Constellation bar in the luxury Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, presented themselves at the office of the public prosecutor in Sion this morning. The hearing in the Canton of Valais marks a significant step in the legal process following the horrific blaze that ripped through their establishment.
The couple are facing serious charges, including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Their appearance follows a preliminary investigation into the causes and circumstances of the fire, which represents one of Switzerland's deadliest such incidents in recent decades.
Details of the New Year's Eve Tragedy
The fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar during New Year's Eve celebrations, a time when the venue was packed with revellers. Most of the 40 people who lost their lives were teenagers, celebrating the start of 2026 in the popular resort.
In addition to the fatalities, a further 116 people were injured in the incident, many suffering serious burns and smoke inhalation. The scale of the casualties overwhelmed local emergency services and sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Crans-Montana and the wider Valais region.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Today's hearing is part of an ongoing criminal investigation led by the public prosecutor's office. Authorities are examining whether safety regulations were breached and if negligence contributed to the high death toll. Key lines of inquiry likely include:
- The adequacy of fire exits and emergency escape routes.
- Compliance with maximum occupancy limits.
- The presence and functionality of fire alarms and suppression systems.
- The materials used in the bar's construction and decoration.
The case has drawn intense media scrutiny and public grief, with the resort community and the families of the victims awaiting answers and justice. The legal process is expected to be lengthy, with today's questioning representing just the beginning of the court's examination of this complex and tragic event.
