The horrific New Year’s fire at Le Constellation, a popular ski resort bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has taken on a new and disturbing dimension.
Italian media report that Jessica Moretti, 40, the bar manager, may have been captured on video running from the blaze clutching the night’s cash takings.
The tragedy claimed 40 lives and left more than 100 people injured, many with severe burns, as revelers tried desperately to escape the inferno.
Fire Sparks and Tragedy
Preliminary reports suggest the fire began when staff waved champagne bottles with sparklers near the ceiling.
Investigators believe the blaze quickly escalated into a “flashover,” engulfing the venue within seconds.
Witnesses say patrons pleaded for help as flames spread, but Jessica Moretti allegedly prioritized the cash register over their safety.
She sustained a burn on her arm, though questions remain about whether it occurred while trying to retrieve the till.
The Morettis and the Investigation
The bar was owned by Jessica’s husband, Jacques Moretti, 49, who was reportedly not present the night of the fire.
Both husband and wife are under criminal investigation for manslaughter and negligence, along with causing bodily harm to over 100 injured patrons.
Authorities are examining whether the soundproofing material on the ceiling met safety regulations, while former employees have claimed that safety measures were poor, fire extinguishers were often locked away, and emergency exits were sometimes inaccessible.
Grieving Families and Funeral Services
The scale of the loss is staggering. Among the 40 deceased, 26 were teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18.
Families across Europe have begun mourning.
Italian funerals included 16-year-olds Achille Barosi and Chiara Costanzo in Milan, and services for Giovanni Tamburi and Riccardo Minghetti in Bologna and Rome.
Emanuele Galeppini, a 17-year-old golf prodigy from Genoa, was laid to rest privately, while Sofia Prosperi, an Italian-Swiss teen, was buried in her hometown of Lugano.
Italian schools marked the tragedy with a minute’s silence.
Victims from Seven Countries
The victims came from diverse backgrounds: Swiss, Italian, French, British-French-Israeli, Romanian, Belgian, Portuguese, Turkish, and UAE dual nationals.
Many were teenagers, and some were identified only through DNA analysis due to the severity of the burns.
Over 116 others sustained injuries, with several still in critical condition.
Local Officials Respond
Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud acknowledged that no periodic safety inspections had been conducted at Le Constellation since 2019.
He described the situation as “profoundly regrettable” and promised accountability, though he will not resign.
The mayor confirmed that sparkler candles are now banned in venues, and the local council will conduct a full audit of all bars to prevent another disaster.
“It is down to the judges to determine who is responsible,” Feraud said.
The Morettis’ Statement
In the wake of the tragedy, the Morettis expressed grief and claimed they would cooperate fully with authorities.
They insisted that the bar had adhered to safety regulations, despite inspections occurring only three times over the last decade.
Swiss prosecutors have questioned them, and both indicated that criminal liability could lead to further inquiries into arson and manslaughter by negligence.
A Community in Shock
The tragedy has left the Crans-Montana community reeling, with local authorities, residents, and families trying to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
Investigations are ongoing, and questions about safety standards, fire prevention, and accountability remain at the forefront.
The inferno at Le Constellation has not only claimed lives but exposed vulnerabilities in venue safety across the region, prompting authorities to vow stricter oversight in the future.
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