The owners of the Swiss nightclub Le Constellation, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, faced a harrowing confrontation with victims’ families today as they arrived for questioning by prosecutors. The couple, at the center of a manslaughter investigation following a New Year’s Eve fire that claimed 41 lives and injured over 100, were met with shouts of accusation and grief.
“You murdered my son. You murdered my brother. Where is my son?” were among the anguished cries leveled at the Morettis, according to reports. The emotional outburst underscores the intense pain and demand for accountability following the tragedy.
Visibly shaken, Jacques Moretti reportedly stated, “We are just working people,” and indicated a willingness to accept responsibility for any financial obligations.
The Morettis are being investigated for manslaughter by negligence in connection with the fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana. The blaze resulted in 41 fatalities and left more than 100 injured. The owners are currently allowed to remain free pending the outcome of the investigation.
This is the fourth time the couple has been questioned by prosecutors in Sion, with sessions previously lasting over 10 hours. Lawyers representing over 50 victims, representing more than 130 parties, have also been given the opportunity to request questions.
Conversation with a Mother
Yesterday, an impromptu meeting took place between the Moretti couple and Leila Micheloud, the mother of two injured individuals. The encounter occurred on the sidelines of the ongoing interrogations. “It was crucial for these people to see each other, speak, and exchange thoughts as human beings about what happened,” stated her lawyer, declining to elaborate on the specifics of the conversation.
The Morettis’ legal counsel expressed hope that the meeting would contribute to the healing process, stating, “It was important for both parties to take a step back from the rancor.”
The investigation is focusing on whether the owners of Le Constellation took adequate fire safety precautions in the underground bar. The fire is believed to have started when ceiling insulation ignited due to celebratory sparklers.
