In a devastating incident that shocked the nation, Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana became the site of a horrific fire on New Year's Eve, leading to the deaths of 40 individuals. Swiss prosecutors have since detained Jacques Moretti, a co-owner of the establishment, citing him as a potential flight risk. This tragic event has left 116 others injured, many of whom were under the age of 20, raising serious concerns about safety regulations in public venues.
Jacques Moretti, a French national, and his wife, Jessica, are currently facing a criminal investigation initiated by Swiss authorities. They are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The prosecution's office in Valais has reported that the fire may have been ignited when celebrants, during the New Year festivities, raised champagne bottles with sparklers attached, inadvertently igniting sound-insulating foam on the ceiling of the basement bar.
Both co-owners expressed their devastation over the incident and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Their commitment to transparency is crucial as the legal proceedings unfold in the wake of this tragedy.
It has come to light that Le Constellation had not undergone any safety inspections for five years, a revelation that has horrified the families of the victims. Romain Jordan, a representative for some families affected by the fire, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the numerous breaches and failures in safety inspections warrant a more urgent investigation into the municipality's oversight. According to regulations, venues like Le Constellation should be inspected annually.
Crans-Montana's Mayor, Nicolas Feraud, acknowledged the oversight and expressed regret, stating, "We owe it to the families, and we will accept the responsibility." In response to the tragedy, he announced a ban on sparklers in local venues to prevent future incidents.
As the nation mourns, Switzerland observed a minute of silence on a designated day of mourning for the victims of the fire. Church bells rang across the country for five minutes, trains and trams halted operations, and Zurich airport briefly paused its activities in remembrance of those lost. A local commemoration in Crans-Montana garnered a standing ovation for the firefighters who bravely battled the blaze.
Among the casualties, a significant number were young individuals, with eight victims being under the age of 16. Many of those injured suffered severe burns and are currently receiving medical treatment in Switzerland and other European countries. The funerals for some of the deceased have already begun, further deepening the community's grief.
The incident at Le Constellation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety regulations in public venues and the need for regular inspections to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.