Locked Exit Exacerbated Swiss New Year’s Fire Tragedy, Claims Bar Co-Owner
A devastating New Year’s Day fire at a popular bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with 40 fatalities and 116 individuals injured. Central to the unfolding investigation is the revelation that a crucial staff entrance door on the first floor of the establishment, Le Constellation, was reportedly locked from the inside at the time the blaze broke out. This detail, if confirmed, is believed to have significantly worsened the catastrophe by trapping patrons and staff.
Jacques Moretti, the French co-owner of Le Constellation, has testified to prosecutors that he found the first-floor staff entrance door secured from within when he arrived at the scene following the alarm. He recounted forcefully opening the door from the exterior, only to discover numerous bodies in its immediate vicinity. Prosecutors are working on the theory that the inability to use this exit during the fire prevented many from escaping, leading to their deaths.
Moretti, who has managed the bar with his wife Jessica since their acquisition of the property in 2015, has been arrested and is currently under investigation. He faces charges including involuntary manslaughter, involuntary injury, and negligence. He claims to have no recollection or understanding of why the door was locked at the critical moment.
The potential legal ramifications for Moretti and his wife are significant. European media reports suggest that if they are found to bear partial responsibility for the locked entrance, they could face charges of murder through indirect intent. This grave accusation carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment under Swiss law.
Safety Regulations and Fire’s Origin Under Scrutiny
Beyond the immediate circumstances of the locked door, local prosecutors are meticulously examining whether the bar had been compliant with all established safety regulations. The fire itself is thought to have been ignited by sparks from a handheld firework, which was attached to a champagne bottle. These sparks are believed to have come into contact with the soundproofing material lining the ceiling, causing the fire to spread with alarming speed.
Investigations have revealed that Jacques Moretti personally installed the soundproofing material himself, having purchased it from a local building supplies store shortly after taking ownership of the bar. The inquiry has also brought to light a concerning warning issued in 2019 by a former waiter who had worked at Le Constellation during a previous New Year’s Eve celebration. This individual reportedly raised concerns about the fire risks associated with the ceiling’s soundproofing. Prosecutors are now focused on determining whether Moretti was aware of the material’s inherent dangers at the time of its installation.
Minors Among Victims and Age Policy Enforcement
The presence of minors among the victims has added another layer of distress to the tragedy. In relation to this, Moretti has reportedly acknowledged that while he had instructed his safety staff to enforce a policy strictly prohibiting entry for individuals under the age of 16, and allowing those aged 16 to 18 only if accompanied by an adult, “mistakes may have occurred.” This admission suggests a potential lapse in the enforcement of the bar’s own age restrictions, further complicating the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire and its devastating impact. The ongoing investigations aim to piece together every detail to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.
