What was supposed to be a night of fun and celebration ended in horror at a Swiss bar when a fire claimed 40 lives on New Year’s Eve.
The blaze erupted at Le Constellation, a popular nightclub in Crans-Montana, turning the party into a nightmare in seconds.
Video footage from the scene shows young partygoers frantically trying to escape, some even breaking windows in desperate attempts to flee the flames.
Owner Arrested Amid Fears of Flight
Swiss prosecutors have now taken decisive action. Jacques Moretti, one of the French owners of Le Constellation, was arrested in Sion following a lengthy investigation, as authorities deemed him a potential flight risk.
His wife, Jessica Moretti, has been fitted with an electronic bracelet and must check in with police every three days.
The couple are under investigation for several serious charges, including homicide by negligence.
Authorities are particularly concerned that, as French citizens, the couple could attempt to evade justice, since France does not extradite its nationals.
Only days earlier, prosecutors had announced that no pre-trial detention was necessary, stating there was no evidence the couple intended to flee or obstruct justice.
How the Fire Started
Investigators believe the blaze was triggered when champagne bottles with sparklers attached were raised too close to highly flammable soundproofing foam in the bar’s basement.
Experts say this foam may have caused a flashover, a rapid ignition of everything in an enclosed space, which likely trapped many young patrons before they could escape.
Photos from renovations in 2015 show the foam had been installed years prior, and a 2019 New Year’s video reveals that staff were already aware of the risk.
A bar employee can be heard warning others to be careful with the foam, raising questions about whether the danger was knowingly accepted.
Shocking Lack of Safety Measures
The fire has sparked outrage over safety standards at the venue.
Municipal authorities confirmed that no fire inspections had been conducted at Le Constellation since 2019.
Former employees have also alleged that fire extinguishers were locked away and emergency exits were frequently inaccessible.
Lawyer Romain Jordan, representing several affected families, emphasized the need for accountability.
He said families want answers about why so many minors were present, why safety regulations were not enforced, and how such a tragedy could happen despite Swiss legal safeguards.
A Community in Mourning
The aftermath has left the Swiss community in profound grief. Mathias Reynard, state councillor and president of the Council of State of Valais, spoke at a memorial ceremony, visibly emotional.
“A moment of celebration and friendship turned into a nightmare,” he said.
“At the dawn of the new year, young people who had shared their dreams and laughter were struck by violence and death.”
Reynard added, “156 lives were forever changed that night.
We gather to honor the memory of these 40 souls and support those still fighting to survive. No words can undo the irreparable.”
Families Seek Answers
The Morettis released a statement expressing they were “devastated and overwhelmed with grief” and vowed to cooperate fully with investigators.
Yet, families demand clarity and justice, seeking accountability for every aspect of the tragedy.
Questions remain about why safety measures were overlooked, why minors were allowed inside, and whether the risks posed by the foam were adequately addressed.
This devastating incident has left lasting scars on the community, raising urgent questions about fire safety, enforcement of regulations, and the responsibilities of club owners.
Swiss authorities continue their investigation, with hearings expected to bring more details about how and why this catastrophe unfolded.
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