The bar owner involved in the tragic Swiss New Year fire incident, where 40 individuals lost their lives and 116 sustained injuries, shared his harrowing experience of trying to save a waitress who succumbed to the blaze. Jacques Moretti, deeply affected by the event he termed “the tragedy of my life,” rushed to Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana after being alerted by his wife, Jessica, as the fire broke out in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Both now face charges related to the incident, providing detailed testimonies to authorities before Mr. Moretti was taken into custody.
Mr. Moretti, 49, recounted to investigators how he and another individual attempted to resuscitate the waitress, identified as Cyane P, for over an hour before emergency responders declared her beyond saving. The emotional toll was evident as Jessica, 40, expressed her devastation, describing Cyane as family and questioning how to cope with the loss. Mr. Moretti acknowledged his sense of responsibility for not being able to protect all the victims, labeling it as the most tragic event of his life.
The investigation points to the origin of the fire in the bar’s basement, initiated by champagne bottles with attached party sparklers that inadvertently ignited sound insulation foam. The combustible foam likely triggered a rapid spread of the fire, leading to the catastrophic outcome. As per reports, the Moretti couple implemented age restrictions at the bar, barring entry to individuals under 16 and necessitating adult accompaniment for those aged 16 to 18, although exceptions were acknowledged.
Safety measures at the establishment are under scrutiny, particularly the renovation efforts undertaken by the Morettis after acquiring the bar in 2015. Mr. Moretti clarified that while fire inspections were conducted periodically, no major concerns were raised previously. However, the absence of an automatic sprinkler system and inadequate staff fire safety training were admitted. Concerns over the handling of party sparklers and delivery practices within the bar have also surfaced, shedding light on potential lapses in safety protocols.
Following the tragic incident that claimed lives from 19 different nationalities, including numerous underage individuals, the Moretti family expressed profound grief and pledged full cooperation with authorities. Amid the ongoing investigation and legal procedures, the family’s sorrow and remorse for the victims and their families remain paramount, emphasizing their commitment to accountability and transparency.