Swiss Nightclub Fire: Owners Confronted, Collapse and Questions of Negligence
The owners of the Swiss nightclub Le Constellation, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are facing intense scrutiny following a devastating fire on New Year’s Day that claimed 41 lives and injured 115. Recent hearings have been marked by emotional confrontations with victims’ families and revelations regarding safety protocols – or the lack thereof – at the establishment.
Emotional Scenes at Sion Hearing
The Morettis were met with fury as they arrived for questioning at the campus Energypolis in Sion on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Families of the victims reportedly unleashed a torrent of abuse, shouting accusations of murder. The atmosphere was so charged that Jessica Moretti collapsed before the hearing could begin, requiring attention from her husband. Police presence was criticized by the Morettis’ legal team as insufficient to control the volatile situation.
“You Are Monsters”: Direct Confrontation
Families directly confronted the couple, expressing their grief and anger. Reports indicate that accusations like “You killed my brother!” and “You are monsters!” were hurled at the Morettis. One mother, Leila Micheloud, had a private encounter with the couple, seeking answers about the tragedy. Another mother, Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, lost her 16-year-old son in the fire and emphasized the demand for accountability.
Admissions of Neglect: Lack of Fire Safety Training
During questioning, Jessica Moretti reportedly admitted that staff at Le Constellation had not received any fire safety training. According to reports from the Italian news agency Ansa, she stated that no evacuation drills had been conducted because they were not requested. She expressed understanding of the families’ anger and offered her full cooperation with the investigation.
Victim’s Testimony and Mobile Phone Seizure
Eleonora P., a survivor who suffered severe burns, had her mobile phone seized by Italian investigators as part of the ongoing investigation. Her lawyer stated that she has no concerns about the contents of her phone, but expressed distress over the disruption to her medical care, as her electronic patient records are stored on the device. P. Described a chaotic scene during the fire, with a surge of people attempting to escape.
Jacques Moretti’s Response and Police Response
Jacques Moretti responded to the accusations, stating that they would accept responsibility and cooperate with the investigation. He emphasized that they were not attempting to evade justice. Following the tumultuous scenes, the Canton of Wallis police announced they would increase security measures for future hearings.
Political Silence and Systemic Issues
Reports indicate a lack of response from Walliser politicians regarding the incident, raising questions about systemic issues and potential failures in oversight. Concerns have been raised about a computer glitch that may have hindered effective safety inspections of businesses in the region.
FAQ
- What caused the fire at Le Constellation? The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
- Are the Morettis in custody? No, neither Jacques nor Jessica Moretti are currently in custody.
- What charges are the Morettis facing? They are under criminal investigation for involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson through negligence.
- Was there fire safety training for staff? Jessica Moretti stated that staff had not received fire safety training.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the ongoing investigation through reputable news sources like TF1 INFO and BBC News.
Did you know? The fire at Le Constellation is one of the deadliest in Swiss history.
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