Switzerland Club Fire: Owner Faces Scrutiny Amidst New Year’s Eve Tragedy
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A deepening investigation surrounds the New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, which claimed the lives of 40 people. The focus is increasingly turning to Jessica Moretti, co-owner of the establishment, as authorities and local media examine the events leading up to the devastating blaze and her actions in its immediate aftermath.
According to reports in the Swiss newspaper Insider Paradeplatz, Moretti allegedly prioritized securing the club’s earnings over ensuring the safety of patrons. Witnesses claim she was seen rushing upstairs shortly after the fire erupted in the basement, purportedly taking a chest containing the New Year’s takings before exiting the building. Other accounts suggest a delayed response to the emergency, with some claiming she continued the music while alerting others to the fire.
Pyrotechnics and a History of “Atmosphere”
The fire is believed to have been caused by pyrotechnic fountains used during champagne service. Moretti herself acknowledged the occasional use of these devices, stating, “I never asked for them, but I never prohibited them,” as reported by Tages Anzeiger. This admission raises questions about the club’s safety protocols and the oversight of potentially dangerous practices intended to “create an atmosphere.”
The use of such devices, even if not explicitly authorized, points to a potential lapse in judgment and a disregard for established safety regulations. Investigators are now meticulously reviewing the club’s operational procedures and any prior incidents involving pyrotechnics.
A Past in the Spotlight
Beyond the immediate legal ramifications, scrutiny has extended to Moretti’s personal history. Local media outlets have unearthed past appearances in the entertainment world, including a photograph from the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. In the image, Moretti is seen posing with Sacha Baron Cohen in front of the Carlton Hotel, holding a prop Kalashnikov rifle during the promotion of his film, The Dictator.
Prior to her foray into the hospitality industry, Moretti worked as a model. She and her husband, Jacques, later transitioned into entrepreneurship, investing in several ventures, culminating in the 2015 purchase of Le Constellation, which quickly became a popular destination in Crans-Montana.
This newfound attention to her past, while seemingly unrelated to the tragedy, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative and fuels public interest in understanding the background of the club’s owner. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to determine the full extent of responsibility for the devastating New Year’s Eve fire.
