One of the co-owners of a Swiss bar where 40 people tragically lost their lives in a New Year’s Eve fire has been detained. Swiss prosecutors took this step because Jacques Moretti, a French national, is considered a potential flight risk. He and his wife, Jessica, also French, face serious charges: manslaughter, bodily harm, and negligence.
The fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana injured 116 others, with many victims under 20. Investigators believe the fire started when revelers raised champagne bottles with sparklers too close to the ceiling, igniting sound-proofing foam above.
It was revealed that the bar hadn’t undergone safety inspections for five years, shocking the families of the victims. Romain Jordan, a lawyer representing some of the families, emphasized that such a lack of oversight raises urgent questions about municipal responsibility.
After their questioning, Jacques and Jessica Moretti expressed their grief. Jessica said, “This was an unthinkable tragedy. I want to say I’m sorry.” The couple promised to fully cooperate with authorities.
In a joint national day of mourning held in Switzerland, people stood in silence to honor the victims. Church bells rang as trams and trains paused for a moment. In Crans-Montana, the local community applauded the firefighters who bravely responded to the blaze. Local officials have pledged to implement stricter safety measures, including banning sparklers in venues.
Many of those injured suffered severe burns and are receiving treatment in various hospitals across Europe. Meanwhile, funeral services for the deceased have begun, serving as a bittersweet reminder of the price of negligence.
The tragedy at Le Constellation has raised significant concerns about public safety regulations in entertainment venues. It serves as a wake-up call not just in Switzerland but globally. Ensuring safety in crowded places is crucial, and more frequent checks are now essential to prevent similar disasters in the future.
For more insights on fire safety regulations and prevention strategies, the National Fire Protection Association provides detailed guidelines on building safety standards and checks.
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