The owner of a bar in Switzerland, where a tragic fire claimed the lives of 40 individuals, allegedly fled the scene with a cash register full of money. Jessica Moretti, aged 40, reportedly disregarded warnings from patrons and escaped with cash as the fire engulfed the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a popular ski resort town. Ms. Moretti, who co-owns the bar with her husband Jacques Moretti, 49, is now under investigation by Swiss authorities.
The couple is facing charges of negligence leading to bodily harm, negligent homicide, and negligent arson. Jessica Moretti, a French national, may also be charged with failing to aid individuals in distress, as per various media reports. The fire, which claimed numerous lives as revelers were inside, spread rapidly through the establishment.
Eyewitnesses claim that Ms. Moretti fled while trapped patrons cried out for help. Reports from a French media outlet, Nice Martin, stated that “On New Year’s Day, Jessica Moretti, who sustained an arm injury, was allegedly captured on security cameras fleeing with the cash register as the flames consumed the premises.”
According to an Italian publication, La Repubblica, Ms. Moretti was focused on escaping with the cash register containing the day’s earnings. CCTV footage purportedly shows her leaving the site with the cash register holding the day’s proceeds in cash.
The fire, one of Switzerland’s deadliest incidents, resulted in an outpouring of condolences for the victims. It is believed that the fire ignited as a result of candle sparklers being held too close to the ceiling. Officials reported that 119 people sustained injuries in the blaze, which swiftly spread due to combustible materials. The deceased individuals ranged in age from 14 to 39 years old.
Among the casualties was Charlotte Niddam, who had received education in Britain. Families of the victims have lodged a formal complaint with the Swiss prosecutor’s office. Romain Jordan, a lawyer based in Geneva, confirmed that each family had filed a complaint and joined the legal proceedings as plaintiffs.
Additionally, Ms. Moretti and her husband were accused of blocking social media accounts after the tragic fire. It was reported that the Le Constellation bar deactivated its social media profiles during the rescue operations. Authorities are now looking into the renovation work carried out in 2015 amid claims of inadequate safety standards. The investigation will also scrutinize the availability and use of fire extinguishers and fire exits at the establishment.