The manager of a Swiss Alpine bar where 40 people perished in a horrific New Year's Eve fire has been accused of fleeing the scene with a cash register full of money as the inferno took hold, according to reports.
Allegations of Neglect and a Fatal Spark
Jessica Moretti, 40, who was managing Le Constellation bar in the exclusive resort of Crans-Montana, is alleged to have ignored desperate revellers and made off with the evening's takings as flames engulfed the venue. Italian newspaper La Repubblica claims to have seen footage showing her escape with the till.
The French national, who sustained a burn to her arm, is already under formal investigation for manslaughter and causing bodily harm to 119 injured survivors. Investigators believe the deadly blaze began when staff waved champagne bottles fitted with sparklers too close to the ceiling's soundproofing material.
This triggered a catastrophic 'flashover', which likely ignited the entire venue within seconds, making escape nearly impossible for dozens of young partygoers.
Safety Failures and a Grieving Community
The criminal probe is examining severe alleged safety failures at the bar, which was owned by Moretti's husband, Jacques Moretti, 49. Former employees have claimed fire extinguishers were kept locked away and that an emergency exit was often secured.
Mayor Nicolas Feraud of Crans-Montana revealed that no periodic safety inspections had been conducted at Le Constellation since 2019. He expressed profound regret, stating the council would accept responsibility for this oversight. The specific soundproof foam used is also under scrutiny.
The couple, both from Corsica, were questioned by Swiss prosecutors last Friday. They have stated they are 'devastated and overwhelmed with grief' and will cooperate fully with authorities.
International Victims and Ongoing Mourning
The tragedy claimed lives from seven nations, with 26 of the 40 victims aged between 14 and 18. Some were so badly burned they could only be identified through DNA analysis.
The victims included Swiss, Italian, French, British, Romanian, Belgian, Portuguese, and Turkish nationals. A 15-year-old girl held triple British, French, and Israeli citizenship.
Funerals for the six Italian teenagers killed began on Wednesday, with schools across Italy holding a minute's silence. The community remains in shock as 116 injured people continue to receive treatment, some fighting for their lives.
Mayor Feraud confirmed a ban on sparkler candles inside venues and pledged a full audit of all local establishments. He stated that determining ultimate responsibility now rests with the judiciary.
