The proprietor of a Swiss nightclub where 40 individuals perished in a New Year’s fire will be detained for a minimum of three months following a court decision.
Today, Jacques Moretti, 49, appeared in a Sion court where it was ruled that he would stay in custody until March for further evaluation of his legal status. Prosecutors argued that he poses a significant flight risk.
This decision comes after distressing new revelations emerged concerning the fire at Le Constellation in Crans Montana on January 1. In addition to the 40 fatalities, 116 people sustained severe burns.
Mr. Moretti and his wife, Jessica Moretti, 40, who is also his business partner, are facing various charges, including negligent manslaughter, causing bodily harm negligently, and negligent arson.
Authorities indicated in court that Mr. Moretti, described as a former pimp and repeat offender, might try to escape Switzerland. He was initially arrested on Friday.
Investigators have determined that 34 of the victims perished on a narrow staircase leading from the basement, which had been narrowed by one-third. This staircase accounted for 85% of the total fatalities.
The fire is believed to have been sparked by sparklers in champagne bottles igniting soundproof foam attached to the basement ceiling. As panic ensued, individuals tried to flee through the staircase, causing a fatal congestion.
According to a source, victims were trapped as the crowd surged upwards and then pushed back, preventing their escape. The staircase collapsed into the basement as wooden steps and handrails detached from the walls under the pressure.
Authorities found numerous bodies at the base of the staircase, concluding that it could not withstand the force as people attempted to escape.
Mr. Moretti confessed to reducing the staircase width from three meters to one meter after taking over the venue in 2015. It is uncertain if this alteration was authorized by planning authorities.
Multiple sources from France and Italy have stated that this modification played a critical role in the tragedy.
During interrogation, Mr. Moretti declined to discuss the staircase alteration but acknowledged finding a locked ground-floor service door upon arriving at the scene. He claimed to have forced it open and discovered individuals inside suffering from smoke inhalation.
He denies wrongdoing along with his wife and asserts ignorance about the locked door. Investigators believe that the sparklers ignited the foam, causing the deadly blaze and severe injuries to 116 people.
Mrs. Moretti allegedly left the bar with the night’s earnings and returned home shortly after the fire began. She has been released on bail with an electronic monitoring device.
The couple, French nationals from Corsica, rented the establishment in 2015 and renovated it extensively. Mr. Moretti mentioned that the fire department had conducted several inspections without requesting additional changes.
There were no sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, or fire safety training for staff on the premises. Mr. Moretti has a history of convictions and imprisonment, while his wife has no criminal record.
The investigation into the tragic fire is ongoing.
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