Overview
- The New Year’s Eve blaze at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana killed about 40 people and injured more than 100.
- Valais prosecutors have opened cases against Jacques and Jessica Moretti for multiple negligent homicides, negligent bodily injury and negligent arson.
- Investigators are reviewing surveillance video that reportedly shows Jessica Moretti fleeing with the cash register and her son escaping, with omission-of-rescue counts under consideration pending verification.
- Local authorities have acknowledged oversight lapses, including no safety inspection in five years and reports of a closed emergency exit, with additional concerns about flammable décor and door configurations.
- The couple’s rapid business expansion and property purchases are under scrutiny, with conflicting reports on mortgage-free deals versus bank loans, and they have issued a statement expressing grief and cooperation with investigators.