Overview
- Official records and witness statements describe a rapid flashover within 15–20 seconds after sparklers on bottle service contacted acoustic foam on the ceiling.
- Testimony indicates the foam was visibly sagging days before the blaze, and the owner told police he had installed standard foam from a DIY store rather than certified fire‑retardant material.
- At least 40 people died and 116 were injured, with an autopsy on one victim indicating death likely from asphyxia due to dense toxic smoke.
- Evacuation was hindered by blocked or misused doors, including a service door secured with a bolt and an emergency exit propped with a bar stool, while no sprinkler system and few accessible extinguishers were reported.
- The Sion prosecutor’s inquiry remains active, with Jacques Moretti in custody on charges including negligent homicide and Jessica Moretti under tightened measures that include high bail, passport seizure and daily check‑ins.