Crans-Montana bar fire: Moretti couple faces new joint hearing

A devastating fire ripped through the Le Constellation bar in Crans‑Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve 2019, killing 41 people and injuring 115. Investigators attribute the blaze to sparkler candles igniting acoustic foam on the basement ceiling, with a blocked emergency exit and a lack of fire‑safety inspections since 2019 contributing to the tragedy.

Bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti have been summoned to a “confrontation” hearing in Sion, where prosecutors, investigators and victims’ lawyers will question them together. They face charges of negligent homicide, negligent arson and serious bodily injury, and a newly added charge of falsifying documents related to the purchase of the foam. The inquiry also targets about a dozen municipal officials for possible negligence.

During the proceedings, SMS messages warning staff of sparkler risks and queries about a locked exit were presented as evidence. The Morettis maintain they are not responsible, while victims’ families demand answers and accountability.