The operator of a Swiss bar where a fire claimed the lives of 40 individuals was reportedly spotted leaving the premises with a cash register full of money. Jessica Moretti, aged 40, allegedly disregarded the patrons’ distress signals and absconded with funds while the blaze engulfed the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana. Moretti, who co-owns the bar with her husband Jacques Moretti, 49, is currently under scrutiny by Swiss authorities.
The couple is facing charges of negligence leading to bodily harm, negligent homicide, and negligent arson. Additionally, French citizen Moretti may potentially be charged with failure to provide assistance to individuals in peril, according to various media reports. The tragic incident resulted in numerous fatalities as the fire rapidly spread during the New Year’s Day festivities.
Allegedly, Moretti fled the scene as trapped patrons cried out for help. Surveillance footage reportedly captured her escaping with the cash register, as described by the French outlet Nice Martin. Italian publication La Repubblica stated that Moretti prioritized taking the cash register containing the day’s earnings as she made her exit from the site.
The fire, one of the most devastating in Swiss history, led to an outpouring of condolences for the victims. Authorities believe the inferno was triggered by sparklers from candles being held too close to the ceiling. An estimated 119 individuals sustained injuries in the rapidly spreading fire fueled by combustible materials. The deceased, aged between 14 and 39, included the British-educated Charlotte Niddam.
Families of the victims have lodged a legal complaint with the Swiss prosecutor’s office. Geneva-based lawyer Romain Jordan confirmed that each family had filed a complaint and joined the legal proceedings as plaintiffs. He refrained from commenting specifically on the target of the legal complaint, as reported by The Sun.
Moreover, Moretti and her husband were accused of blocking social media accounts in the aftermath of the tragic incident. Jordan mentioned that Le Constellation bar deactivated its social media profiles during the rescue operations. Authorities are now looking into renovation work conducted in 2015 amid allegations of inadequate safety measures. They will also probe the utilization of fire extinguishers and fire exits at the establishment.