The bar owner where 40 individuals lost their lives and 116 sustained injuries in the tragic Swiss New Year fire incident recounted his desperate efforts to save a beloved waitress who succumbed to the blaze after a prolonged resuscitation attempt. Jacques Moretti, deeply affected by the event, hurried to Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana upon receiving an urgent call from his wife Jessica as the fire broke out during the early hours of New Year’s Day. Both now confront charges related to the catastrophe, providing detailed testimonies to authorities before Mr. Moretti’s detention.
According to BFM TV, Mr. Moretti, 49, expressed his emotional connection to the deceased waitress, Cyane P, emphasizing their futile resuscitation efforts on the street. Jessica, 40, described Cyane as family and expressed overwhelming devastation over the loss. Mr. Moretti expressed regret for not being able to shield all victims, labeling the incident as the most tragic in his life.
Mrs. Moretti recalled being inside the bar when the fire erupted after 1.30 am, prompting her to raise alarm and call the fire department. Investigators believe the fire originated in the bar’s basement due to party sparklers igniting sound insulation foam. The couple’s account, provided ten days post-tragedy, shed light on safety protocols at the bar and the absence of an automatic sprinkler system.
The investigation is centered on safety standards at the renovated bar, purchased by the Morettis in 2015. Mr. Moretti indicated that fire inspections had not flagged any need for renovations, mentioning the presence of fire extinguishers but acknowledging a lack of staff fire safety training. The tragedy, allegedly triggered by party sparklers, claimed numerous lives and raised concerns about the bar’s underage clientele.
Despite the distressing situation, the Morettis cooperated with authorities, expressing remorse and extending condolences to the victims and their families. The incident, involving individuals from 19 nationalities, left 83 hospitalized. Mr. Moretti’s father, Jean, affirmed the family’s accountability and expressed profound sorrow for the victims, emphasizing their commitment to the legal process and the memory of those lost.