Swiss Bar Owners Face Public Outcry, Continued Detention After New Year’s Eve Fire
Crans-Montana, Switzerland – The owners of Le Constellation bar, where a New Year’s Eve fire killed 41 people and injured 116 others, faced a hostile public during a recent court hearing, and one of the owners remains in custody. The tragedy, which occurred on January 1, 2026, has prompted a criminal investigation and raised serious questions about safety standards at the popular ski resort hotspot.
Jacques Moretti, one of the French co-owners of Le Constellation, is being held for 90 days after a judge ruled he poses a flight risk, according to reports. His wife and co-owner, Jessica Moretti, is under house arrest. Both are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
The hearing was met with anger from family members and onlookers, with reports indicating police had to intervene to protect the Morettis from a furious crowd mobilized through TikTok. Witnesses reported shouting from the crowd, including “You murdered our children!”
According to authorities, the fire likely started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles were raised during New Year’s celebrations, igniting sound-insulating foam on the ceiling of the basement bar. The bar had not undergone safety checks in five years.
The blaze resulted in 83 people being treated for severe burns, overwhelming intensive care units in the Valais region and requiring victims to be transported to hospitals across Switzerland and other European countries. A national day of mourning was held on January 9, 2026, to honor the victims.
Jacques Moretti was initially detained on January 9, 2026, and his custody has been repeatedly extended. His wife, Jessica, expressed her sorrow, telling reporters she was deeply sorry for the “unthinkable tragedy.”
The incident has brought renewed scrutiny to safety regulations in Swiss nightlife venues and sparked a debate about the leverage of pyrotechnics in crowded spaces. The investigation is ongoing, and the Morettis maintain they are cooperating with authorities.
Images circulating online present the extent of the damage to Le Constellation, with spaces completely charred and destroyed in the aftermath of the fire. The bar, which could accommodate 300 people, was a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The tragedy underscores the potential dangers of unregulated entertainment venues and the importance of rigorous safety inspections. The case is likely to have lasting implications for the hospitality industry in Switzerland and beyond.
