Will the Owner of the Swiss Ski Bar Face Justice for the Deadly Fire?

The tragic fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, which claimed the lives of 40 people and injured 116 others, has led to serious legal repercussions for its co-owners. Jacques Moretti, one of the owners, has been ordered to remain in detention for 90 days due to concerns he may flee the country as he faces charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm, and arson. The incident, linked to celebratory sparklers igniting flammable materials, has raised serious questions about safety regulations at the venue.

Last updated: 11 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The legal proceedings surrounding Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica, both French nationals, are unfolding in the aftermath of the devastating fire on New Year's Eve. A Swiss judge has ruled that Moretti will remain in custody for an extended period as the investigation continues. Authorities have raised concerns about his potential flight risk, leading to a decision for provisional detention, which may last until the case is brought to court. Meanwhile, Jessica remains under house arrest, expressing her sorrow over the tragedy.

Key takeaways

• Jacques Moretti has been detained for 90 days pending investigation into the fire that killed 40 people.
• The fire is believed to have started from sparklers used during New Year's celebrations.
• Crans-Montana authorities revealed the bar had not undergone mandatory safety inspections for five years.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline outlines key events related to the tragic incident at Le Constellation bar:

• 31 December 2022: The fire breaks out during New Year's Eve celebrations, resulting in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries.
• 2 January 2023: Jacques Moretti is detained for 48 hours as investigations commence.
• 9 January 2023: A judge extends Moretti's detention for an additional 90 days, citing flight risk concerns.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest developments include the decision by a Swiss judge to keep Jacques Moretti in custody for a longer period, pending further investigation. This decision comes amidst mounting criticism of safety management at the bar and the local authorities' failure to conduct inspections.

What was already established

It was previously reported that the fire may have been caused by sparklers igniting the sound-insulating foam in the ceiling. Additionally, the authorities had confirmed that the bar had not been inspected for safety compliance in the last five years, a significant oversight that has raised alarms among families of the victims.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK travellers, the incident raises concerns about safety standards in foreign venues, especially in popular tourist destinations like ski resorts. The tragedy could prompt heightened scrutiny of safety practices in hospitality venues, impacting consumer confidence.

Businesses and jobs

The ski resort industry may face increased regulations and oversight, affecting operational costs and compliance requirements for businesses. The incident could also have repercussions for tourism in the region, potentially impacting local jobs and the economy.

Policy and regulation

This incident has led to calls for stricter safety regulations and more frequent inspections of hospitality venues across Switzerland. The local government is reviewing its policies to ensure similar tragedies do not occur in the future.

Numbers that matter

• 40: The number of fatalities resulting from the fire.
• 116: The number of injuries reported, with many victims suffering severe burns.
• 5 years: The duration since the last safety inspection of Le Constellation bar.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Provisional detention: A legal measure allowing authorities to detain an individual while an investigation is ongoing, particularly when there is a risk of flight.
• Manslaughter by negligence: A charge implying that a person caused another's death through careless actions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the investigation continues, families of the victims may seek legal recourse, and public pressure for accountability will likely grow. The local government may begin implementing interim measures to improve safety standards in hospitality venues.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Expect a comprehensive review of safety regulations in the hospitality industry, potentially leading to new legislation aimed at preventing similar incidents. The local community may also engage in discussions about improving safety protocols in public venues.

Signals to watch

• Updates on the legal proceedings against Jacques Moretti and Jessica Moretti.
• Any announcements from local authorities regarding safety inspections and regulations.
• Public response and community meetings discussing safety in hospitality venues.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about safety regulations in venues you visit.
• Advocate for regular safety inspections in local establishments.

Don’t

• Ignore safety protocols in public venues.
• Assume that all venues are regularly inspected and safe without verifying.

Checklist

• Check if venues you frequent have current safety certifications.
• Be aware of emergency exits and safety measures in any venue.
• Report any safety concerns to local authorities.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As investigations proceed, the potential for changing circumstances remains. The legal proceedings against Moretti and his wife could evolve, impacting the outcome significantly. Moreover, the investigation into local safety regulations may reveal further gaps in compliance and oversight, necessitating a broader review of industry practices.

Bottom line

The fire at Le Constellation bar is a tragic reminder of the importance of stringent safety standards in public venues. As the legal process unfolds, it highlights the need for accountability and reform to prevent future tragedies in the hospitality sector.

FAQs

What led to the fire at Le Constellation bar?

The fire was reportedly ignited by sparklers attached to champagne bottles raised too close to the ceiling, igniting sound-insulating foam.

What charges are the owners facing?

Jacques and Jessica Moretti are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.

What has been the response from local authorities?

Local authorities have acknowledged failures in safety inspections and announced plans to implement stricter safety measures in venues.