The married couple who owned a popular bar in a Swiss ski resort have been formally charged in connection with a devastating fire that killed at least 40 people on New Year's Day.
Criminal Investigation Opened Against Bar Managers
Valais police announced on Saturday that a criminal investigation had been opened against Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the managers of the 'Le Constellation' bar in Crans-Montana. The couple face charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence following the blaze on January 1, 2026.
In an official statement, police confirmed: "The fire, which broke out during the night of January 1, 2026, claimed the lives of 40 people and injured 119, the majority of whom suffered serious injuries." The statement emphasised that the presumption of innocence remains in place until any final conviction.
Couple Break Cover Amid Mounting Scrutiny
The charges were made public shortly after Jacques Moretti, 49, was seen for the first time since the disaster. He was photographed driving a white Jaguar SUV away from his home with a woman believed to be his 40-year-old wife, Jessica.
When approached by reporters and asked to stop and speak, Mr Moretti simply replied, "No." The couple had previously been interviewed by police as witnesses providing information, rather than under formal caution.
It is important to note that within the Swiss legal system, being charged carries a different meaning than in the UK. In this context, it signifies the individuals are now the formal subjects of a police probe.
Alleged Safety Failings Under Microscope
The tragic incident has sparked intense criticism and scrutiny over alleged safety failings inside the bar. Footage from the scene showed flames spreading rapidly across the venue's ceiling during the New Year celebrations.
The public prosecutor's office for the Canton of Valais is leading the ongoing investigation. The case continues to send shockwaves through the close-knit Alpine community and the wider international skiing world, raising urgent questions about safety regulations in hospitality venues.
