Swiss Nightclub Owner Admits Fleeing During Deadly Latest Year’s Eve Fire
The owner of a Swiss nightclub where a New Year’s Day fire claimed the lives of at least 47 people has admitted to leaving the building without assisting others as the blaze erupted. The incident, which occurred at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, has sparked outrage and a manslaughter investigation, highlighting concerns about safety regulations at the popular ski resort venue.
Jessica Moretti, 40, co-owner of Le Constellation, stated, “I panicked when I saw the flames.” Her admission came as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire, which also injured approximately 115 people, many of them teenagers. The tragedy has prompted a wave of grief and questions about the club’s emergency preparedness.
According to reports, Moretti was seen by multiple witnesses carrying the nightclub’s cash register as she escaped the inferno. Her husband, Jacques Moretti, 49, also co-owns Le Constellation and was reportedly working at another of their establishments at the time of the fire. The couple, French nationals who opened the club in December 2015, are now under investigation for manslaughter and causing bodily harm.
Following the fire, investigators reviewed cellphone footage, security camera video, and footage from nearby street cameras to reconstruct the events. They have also accused the Morettis of destroying evidence by suspending the club’s Facebook and Instagram accounts and taking its website offline although rescue operations were underway. A lawyer representing some of the injured parties stated that the accounts were suspended between 3 a.m. And 6:30 a.m. On New Year’s Day, removing videos of the crowded holiday party and earlier festivities.
Le Constellation, described as an “elegant space” with a “festive atmosphere,” was known for admitting guests as young as 16, making it a popular destination for teenagers celebrating the New Year. The club was housed in a building that had previously been abandoned, a detail now under scrutiny as authorities review structural and safety checks.
The Morettis, who are said to have one son and reside on the French island of Corsica, are reportedly “completely in shock.” Jessica Moretti sustained “slight burns on one arm” during her escape, according to reports. The couple had established a growing presence in the Swiss hospitality scene since opening Le Constellation, launching additional restaurants and earning praise for their work ethic.
The investigation into the fire continues, with authorities examining potential safety violations and the role of pyrotechnics, if any, in the incident. The scale of the tragedy has prompted a widespread search for answers and raised concerns about the oversight of entertainment venues in the region.
