The co-owner of a Swiss bar where 40 people died in a New Year's Eve fire has told investigators that a service door was locked from the inside. Jacques Moretti, who is in custody, said he forced open the door and found people lying behind it.
Moretti, co-owner of the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, was taken into custody on Friday as prosecutors investigate the tragedy. Most of the victims were teenagers, and 116 others were injured.
Initial findings suggest the fire was caused by sparklers coming into contact with soundproofing foam on the ceiling of the basement. Moretti said he bought the foam at a DIY store and installed it himself, but claimed tests showed the sparklers were not powerful enough to ignite it.
Questions are being raised about fire extinguishers and whether exits complied with regulations. Moretti's wife and co-owner, Jessica, who was released after questioning, said sparklers were always added when serving bottles of wine.
Regarding underage patrons, Moretti said the bar prohibited anyone under 16 and required those aged 16-18 to be accompanied by an adult, but acknowledged a possible lapse in protocol. The couple is suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson.
