The investigation into the nightclub fire The ConstellationsThe investigation, based in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, is now focused on analyzing videos and testimonies from survivors. The tragedy occurred on New Year's Eve and is considered one of the worst in the country's recent history.
Security camera footage indicates that the owner, Jessica Moretti, fled the scene with injuries to her arm. carrying cash from the till, according to the newspaper Corriere della SeraWitnesses also report that the owners' son had to break windows to allow people to leave.
The handling of the case by prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud is generating controversy. To date, the owners have not been arrested. Mayor Nicolas Féraud is also facing pressure to resign after admitting that there has been no inspection of the establishment since 2020.
Security flaws
The venue operated as a nightclub, although it was only licensed to operate as a bar. The maximum capacity of 240 people was routinely exceeded. At the time of the fire, the ceiling with acoustic panels was struck by sparks from pyrotechnic candles attached to champagne bottles.
Legal experts say the city government could be held liable for negligence. The municipality delegated inspections to a private company that has conducted few inspections of public establishments in recent years.
Victims and injured
Among the victims are seven under-18 football players from the Lutry club. Two seriously injured people remain hospitalized in Zurich without transportation available. Police estimate that between 100 and 200 people survived the disaster.
The bar's managers, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, could face charges of manslaughter, bodily harm, and negligent arson. Compensation could reach tens of millions of Swiss francs, threatening the city's finances.
