The co-owner and manager of a bar in a Swiss ski resort has been placed under investigation after she was allegedly filmed fleeing the burning building with a cash register, as a fire that killed 40 people took hold.
Allegations Amid the Inferno
The horrific blaze erupted at the Le Constellation bar in the upmarket resort of Crans-Montana on New Year's Day. According to reports from French and Italian media, security cameras captured Jessica Moretti, 40, making her escape with the till, which was said to contain the evening's takings.
It is alleged that Ms Moretti, who co-owns the venue with her 49-year-old husband Jacques, ignored the pleas of trapped patrons as she left. She reportedly sustained an arm injury during the incident. The fire, one of the worst in Swiss history, spread with terrifying speed through the venue as people partied.
A Tragedy of Negligence
Swiss officials are investigating the couple on serious charges, including bodily harm by negligence, homicide by negligence, and arson by negligence. As a French national, Jessica Moretti could also face the additional charge of failing to assist people in danger.
The fire is believed to have started when candle sparklers were held too close to the ceiling. It then raced through combustible materials. In total, 40 people, aged between 14 and 39, lost their lives. Among the victims was Brit-educated Charlotte Niddam. A further 119 people were injured.
Families of the victims have filed legal complaints, which have been accepted by Switzerland's prosecutor's office. Their Geneva-based lawyer, Romain Jordan, confirmed the families had joined the proceedings as plaintiffs.
Ongoing Investigations and Fallout
Police are now scrutinising multiple aspects of the disaster. This includes renovation work carried out on the bar in 2015, following allegations of insufficient safety standards. The use of fire extinguishers and the operation of fire exits during the emergency are also under examination.
In the aftermath, the bar's social media accounts were suspended. Lawyer Romain Jordan stated this was done while rescue operations were still underway, countering accusations that the owners had simply blocked the profiles.
The community of Crans-Montana and the nation of Switzerland continue to mourn the devastating loss of life from a night of celebration that turned into catastrophe.
