Swiss Nightclub Owners Face Scrutiny in Hearing Over Deadly New Year's Blaze
The proprietors of the Swiss nightclub that erupted in flames on New Year's Day have appeared before a judicial hearing as bereaved families intensify their pursuit of accountability for the catastrophic fire. Jacques Moretti, aged 49, and his wife Jessica Moretti, 40, co-owners of Le Constellation in the prestigious ski resort of Crans-Montana, underwent questioning by legal representatives on Wednesday.
Owners Blame Deceased Waitress for Fatal Inferno
The couple, who have pointed fingers at a waitress who perished in the tragedy, remain under judicial supervision following the horrific incident that claimed 41 lives and left 115 individuals injured on January 1. Arriving hand-in-hand at the hearing in the nearby city of Sion, the French nationals offered no public statements to waiting media.
Throughout approximately twenty hours of interrogation by three prosecutors, the Morettis' defense strategy focused predominantly on attributing responsibility to waitress Cyane Panine, aged 24. According to their testimony, Panine climbed onto a colleague's shoulders while holding two champagne bottles containing lit sparklers, inadvertently igniting the establishment's basement ceiling.
The ceiling was covered with highly flammable acoustic foam, which rapidly spread the fire throughout the venue. Jacques Moretti described the champagne sparkler display as "Cyane's show" during the enquiry, stating he did not prohibit the activity or emphasize safety precautions. "We didn't see the danger," he told prosecutors. "Cyane liked doing that – it was a show, she liked to be part of the show."
Contradictory Accounts and Mounting Evidence
Jessica Moretti, a former pimp with prior prison experience scheduled for questioning on Thursday, previously asserted that Panine acted independently. "If I had thought there was the slightest risk, I would have forbidden it," she claimed. "In ten years of running the business, I never thought there could be any danger."
However, survivors and the family of the deceased waitress present a starkly different narrative. They contend that Jessica Moretti, serving as manager that evening, specifically instructed Panine to perform the champagne stunt while wearing a promotional crash helmet provided by Dom Perignon champagne house. This helmet allegedly obstructed her vision, preventing her from noticing the sparklers igniting the ceiling foam.
Sophie Haenni, legal representative for Panine's grieving family, revealed disturbing details about the working relationship. "Cyane wasn't supposed to be serving at the tables," Haenni explained. "Jessica Moretti asked her to go down to the basement to help her colleagues, given the large number of champagne bottles ordered."
The waitress received no safety training regarding the hazardous ceiling materials, according to Haenni, and simply followed managerial directives. Text messages between Panine and her employers showed formal address rather than familial closeness, contradicting the Morettis' characterization of Panine as a "step-daughter" or "sister" figure.
Legal Proceedings and Victim Solidarity
The French couple now face serious criminal charges including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. If convicted of manslaughter, they could potentially receive prison sentences of up to twenty years. The case file has expanded dramatically, comprising nearly 2,000 pages with over 8,500 physical documents, while 263 civil parties have been identified with representation by 74 lawyers.
Nicolas Mattenberger, an attorney representing multiple victims' families, expressed cautious optimism about the hearings. "We hope to better understand what happened and establish responsibilities," he stated. The proceedings allow legal teams for affected families to pose previously unanswered questions directly to the nightclub owners.
Leila Micheloud, whose two daughters sustained injuries in the blaze, attended Wednesday's hearing seeking closure. "It's a path to healing," she told journalists. "We're waiting for answers, the truth; we're not asking for anything more." Her determination reflects the broader sentiment among families impacted by the tragedy.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
Additional concerns have emerged regarding safety protocols and operational practices at Le Constellation. Italian lawyer Fabrizio Ventimiglia highlighted expectations for clarification on multiple fronts including security measures, actual attendance numbers during the fire, and potential alcohol sales to minors. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Jessica Moretti escaping quickly with the night's cash receipts while numerous patrons remained trapped inside the burning building.
The Swiss government has announced a "solidarity contribution" from the state to assist victims and their families with associated costs. Meanwhile, in Crans-Montana, a makeshift memorial honoring those lost in the fire ironically caught fire itself due to unattended candles, leading to a ban on open flames at the tribute site.
As the judicial process continues, the contrasting narratives between the nightclub owners and survivors create a complex legal battlefield. With the majority of victims being teenagers and nineteen different nationalities affected, the tragedy has reverberated across Switzerland and beyond, raising urgent questions about nightlife safety regulations and employer accountability in hospitality establishments.
