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2026-11-02 10:55 UTC → 2026-11-02 20:46 UTC ·
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Crans-Montana bar fire investigation updates
Following a Legal and investigative proceedings continue following the New Year's Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana that Crans-Montana, which resulted in 41 deaths and 115 injuries, legal and investigative proceedings are ongoing. Co-owner Jessica Moretti has requested a daily work injury indemnity from Zurich Insurance, injuries. Jacques Moretti, a claim the insurer has labeled as “unfounded” while preparing legal countermeasures. Jessica co-owner and Jacques Moretti are primary suspects suspect, underwent interrogation in Sion on November 1. During the investigation, which includes charges of manslaughter, injury, and arson. hearing, he reportedly admitted to narrowing a staircase within the establishment. While Jacques Moretti remains in custody preventive detention on separate domestic violence charges, a scheduled judicial confrontation between the couple has been canceled. Following the submission of medical documentation, prosecutors decided to dissociate the hearings. This decision allows Jacques Moretti to be interviewed alone, as lawyers for Jessica Moretti provided a psychotherapeutic certificate describing a state of significant psychological fragility. The defense argued that a direct confrontation with her husband posed a real risk of “acute psychological decompensation.” On November 1, Jacques Moretti was questioned by Swiss prosecutors regarding the fatal fire. The investigation has expanded to include 17 individuals, such as several including eight current and or former politicians and seven municipal officials. employees. Authorities are also investigating potential money laundering following reports of “anomalous” bank account movements. Meanwhile, On the financial front, legal counsel for the victims, Sébastien Fanti, has and a group of 24 victims have requested that the Valais State Council place the municipality of Crans-Montana under partial receivership. Fanti cited concerns over the commune's ability receivership or guardianship. This move aims to ensure the commune can manage financial consequences that potential compensation obligations. While experts suggest liabilities could reach one billion francs, a figure far they note that any payouts exceeding the 5 200 million francs currently being set aside annually by would surpass the municipality. municipality's financial capacity. Additionally, families of the deceased have expressed opposition to a municipal plan to replace photographs of the victims on a building facade with a wooden structure featuring names and stars.