The bar owner where a tragic fire incident claimed the lives of 40 individuals and left 116 others injured recounted his desperate efforts to save a waitress, whom he considered family, as the flames engulfed the establishment. Jacques Moretti, deeply affected by the events, rushed to Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana upon receiving a distressed call from his wife Jessica in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Both now facing charges related to the incident, they provided detailed testimonies to authorities before Mr. Moretti was taken into custody.
According to statements made to investigators, Mr. Moretti expressed his anguish over the loss of a young waitress named Cyane P, whom he and another individual tried to resuscitate for over an hour before medical personnel declared it was too late. Describing Cyane as a cherished member of their circle, Jessica mourned the tragic loss and questioned how she would cope with the grief. Mr. Moretti expressed his sense of responsibility for not being able to protect all the victims, labeling it as the most devastating event of his life.
The investigation revealed that the fire likely originated in the bar’s basement due to champagne bottles with attached party sparklers coming into contact with flammable insulation foam on the ceiling. The rapid ignition of the foam material led to a catastrophic chain reaction known as a “flashover,” causing the entire room to erupt in flames simultaneously. The Morettis emphasized their efforts to enforce safety measures at the bar, including age restrictions and supervision for underage patrons.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, Mr. Moretti and his wife cooperated with authorities, expressing remorse and extending condolences to the victims and their families. They acknowledged the gravity of the situation and emphasized their commitment to facing the consequences of the tragedy. The incident, which claimed lives from various nationalities, continues to be a somber reminder of the devastating impact of the fire at their establishment.