Legal Proceedings Intensify Following Fatal Crans-Montana Bar Fire

Prosecutors in Switzerland are reviewing evidence in the case of a deadly New Year’s Day fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, which resulted in 41 deaths and over 100 injuries. Lawyers representing the victims are now advocating for the charges to be upgraded from manslaughter to potential murder, citing evidence of prior knowledge regarding the hazards.

Evidence of Prior Warnings

According to court records, Jessica Moretti sent a message to a staff group chat on December 13, 2019, explicitly identifying the danger of using pyrotechnics in the establishment. The message stated: “If they drop them on the sofa or the floor, or hold them up high and scorch the ceiling foam, the Constel will burn down.” Prosecutors argue this communication demonstrates that the owners were fully aware of the highly flammable nature of the materials used in the bar’s interior. When confronted by investigators, Jessica Moretti characterized the message as “tongue-in-cheek” and intended to emphasize safety, rather than a literal prediction of a fire.

Legal Charges and Court Response

The married couple currently faces charges of manslaughter by negligence, causing injury by negligence, and causing arson by negligence. Following a hearing on June 5, additional charges of forgery were filed against Jessica Moretti concerning the invoices for the sound-insulating foam panels installed in the bar. Legal counsel for the victims, Sophie Haenni, has challenged the current classification of the charges. Haenni asserts that the owners understood the risk of a fire and accepted it, which she argues should elevate the prosecution to a charge of murder with possible intent.

Defense Arguments and Investigations

Jacques Moretti has defended the couple’s actions by pointing to local government oversight, claiming that the use of “magic fountains” or sparklers had been authorized by the local council and inspected by the fire department. Regarding allegations that his wife fled the scene with cash on the night of the fire, Jacques Moretti denied the claims, stating that she was the first to raise the alarm and followed the crowd to safety. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with a total of 15 individuals—including local councillors involved in the licensing process—facing charges related to the tragedy.

Key Takeaways

• Incident Details: A fire at Le Constellation bar on January 1 killed 41 people and injured over 100 others.
• Contested Evidence: A 2019 text message from owner Jessica Moretti warned staff that the bar could “burn down” if sparklers scorched the ceiling foam.
• Current Legal Status: The owners are currently charged with manslaughter, though victims’ families are pushing for murder charges.
• Broad Accountability: The investigation has expanded to include 15 defendants, including local councillors who authorized the bar’s operations.