Overview
- Operator Jacques Moretti told investigators the basement emergency door was locked from the inside and said he opened it from outside, where several bodies were found.
- He acknowledged removing the previous acoustic covering and installing new foam bought at a DIY store, which authorities say likely ignited after party sparklers were raised toward the ceiling.
- Moretti is in pre-trial detention on flight-risk grounds, while his wife remains under investigation and is not detained.
- A team of four prosecutors in Valais is leading a criminal probe into negligent homicide, negligent arson and negligent bodily injury, with a potential upgrade to charges if risk acceptance is established.
- The disaster killed 40 people and injured around 116–120, and scrutiny now centers on inspection records and Valais rules, including a last documented fire check in 2019 and no requirement to control highly flammable ceiling materials.