The owners of the Swiss bar at the center of a devastating Recent Year’s Eve fire, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, faced a harrowing confrontation with grieving families during a recent interrogation. The couple were met with shouts of accusation and grief as they arrived at the public prosecutor’s office.
Reports detail anguished cries from those who lost loved ones, with accusations of murder leveled against the Morettis. “You killed my son. You killed my brother. Where is my son?” were among the desperate pleas heard, alongside questions about how the couple could continue to live normally after the tragedy.
Visibly distressed, Jacques Moretti responded, stating, “We are just working people,” and offering to accept responsibility for any financial obligations.
The Morettis are being prosecuted for manslaughter due to the fatal fire in Crans-Montana. Forty-one people died in the blaze, and more than one hundred visitors were injured. The owners are allowed to await their trial at liberty.
This morning marked the fourth time the couple has appeared before prosecutors in Sion to provide statements regarding the fire. Yesterday and today, lawyers representing the victims were also permitted to ask questions, with over fifty lawyers representing more than 130 parties.
Conversation with Mother
Yesterday also saw an “emotional conversation” between the Moretti couple and the mother of two injured individuals. The meeting with Leila Micheloud was arranged ad hoc during the interrogations. “It was crucial that these people could observe each other, speak, and as people, exchange thoughts about what happened,” said her lawyer, who declined to comment further on the content.
The Moretti’s lawyer expressed hope that the conversation would contribute to the healing process. “It was important for both parties to be able to grab a step back from the rancor.”
The couple’s interrogation is currently underway, with previous sessions lasting over 10 hours. Investigations are focusing on whether the owners of Le Constellation took sufficient measures to ensure fire safety in the underground bar, where the fire originated due to ceiling insulation igniting from decorative fireworks.
