Bar Owner Admits Locked Door in Deadly Crans-Montana Fire, Remains in Preventive Detention

Overview

• Jacques Moretti was ordered into preventive detention after a lengthy interrogation in Sion, while co-owner Jessica Moretti was released under judicial supervision, according to local reports.
• Moretti told investigators a ground-floor service door was locked from the inside and said he later forced it open from outside, where bodies were found piled near the doorway.
• He also acknowledged having replaced the venue’s acoustic foam, a focus for investigators assessing how the flames spread so quickly.
• The couple are under investigation for negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson, with prosecutors indicating potential charge escalation depending on the findings.
• Initial findings point to champagne bottles fitted with pyrotechnic candles igniting flammable ceiling material at Le Constellation, where 40 people were killed and 116 injured, prompting parallel probes in France, Italy and Belgium and renewed scrutiny of lapsed safety inspections.