The owner of a Swiss bar where 40 individuals lost their lives in a fire was reportedly spotted leaving the premises with a cash register filled with money. Jessica Moretti, aged 40, allegedly disregarded the patrons’ concerns and exited the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana ski resort town with cash as the fire engulfed the establishment. Ms. Moretti, who co-owns the bar with her husband Jacques Moretti, is now being investigated by Swiss authorities.
Both individuals are facing charges of negligence causing bodily harm, negligent homicide, and negligent arson. Ms. Moretti, a French national, may also be charged with failure to aid individuals in danger, according to various media reports. Numerous individuals perished in the fire that rapidly spread during a celebration at the venue.
Allegedly, Ms. Moretti fled while trapped patrons cried out for assistance. A report from the French outlet Nice Martin stated that on New Year’s Day, Jessica Moretti, who sustained an arm injury, was purportedly captured on security cameras fleeing with the cash register.
An Italian publication, La Repubblica, claimed that Ms. Moretti prioritized leaving with the cash register containing the day’s earnings. The outlet also mentioned that CCTV footage allegedly showed the co-owner exiting the location with the cash register holding the day’s takings in cash.
The fire was one of Switzerland’s worst tragedies, with tributes being paid to the numerous victims. It is believed that the inferno began when candle sparklers were held too close to the ceiling.
Authorities estimate that 119 individuals sustained injuries in the blaze that rapidly spread due to combustible materials. The deceased, aged between 14 to 39, numbered 40.
Among the casualties was Charlotte Niddam, educated in Britain. Families have lodged a legal complaint with the Swiss prosecutor’s office.
Romain Jordan, a lawyer based in Geneva, stated that each family had filed a complaint and joined the legal proceedings as plaintiffs. He confirmed that these applications were accepted, but did not provide specific comments on the legal complaint target, as reported by The Sun.
Ms. Moretti and her husband were also accused of blocking social media accounts after 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 carried out in 2015 amid allegations of inadequate safety measures. They will also investigate the use of fire extinguishers and fire exits.