The co-owner of a Swiss nightclub where a devastating fire killed 40 people on New Year's Eve has revealed to investigators that he was forced to prise open a locked service door, only to discover a pile of bodies behind it.
Custody and Catastrophe
Jacques Moretti, the French co-owner of the Constellation bar in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana, was taken into police custody on Friday. He is a central figure in the probe into one of Switzerland's deadliest ever nightlife disasters. The blaze, which erupted during New Year celebrations in the venue's basement, claimed mostly teenage lives and left a further 116 people injured.
Moretti informed the Vallais public prosecutor's office that he only became aware a service door inside the bar had been locked from the inside after the fire had been extinguished. According to excerpts from police reports published by French and Swiss media and confirmed to AFP, Moretti stated he rushed to the scene and forced the door open. He told investigators he then found several people lying behind it.
Ignition and Installation Under Scrutiny
Initial forensic findings indicate the fire was sparked when celebratory sparklers came into contact with soundproofing foam fitted to the basement ceiling. Investigators are now examining critical safety failures, including whether fire extinguishers were present and accessible, and if the venue's exits complied with regulations.
Moretti's wife and business partner, Jessica, who was released after Friday's hearing, confirmed to investigators: 'We always add a sparkler candle when we serve a bottle of wine in the dining room.' Jacques Moretti insisted he had previously conducted tests, claiming the candles were not powerful enough to ignite the acoustic foam. He admitted he bought the foam from a DIY store and installed it himself during renovations after purchasing the bar in 2015.
Protocol Lapses and Potential Charges
The tragedy has also raised serious questions about the number of underage customers present. Moretti said the bar's policy prohibited anyone under 16 and required 16 to 18-year-olds to be accompanied by an adult. He stated he gave these 'instructions' to security staff, but conceded that 'it is possible that there was a lapse in protocol.'
As the investigation continues, the couple are formally suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson. The community of Crans-Montana remains in mourning, with tributes of flowers left near the charred entrance of the Le Constellation bar, a stark reminder of the festive celebration that turned into a national tragedy.
