The owner of a Swiss bar that was destroyed in a deadly fire on New Year's Eve has been arrested and detained on allegations of domestic abuse against his wife. Jacques Moretti, 49, co-owner of Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort, is among 16 individuals facing a criminal investigation for the blaze that killed 41 people and injured 115, primarily teenagers.
The alleged domestic violence incident reportedly occurred on August 11 at the couple's home in Switzerland's southwestern Wallis canton. Mrs. Moretti, 41, required hospitalization following the incident, according to local reports. Mr. Moretti was arrested at their home and placed in pre-trial detention on charges including violence against his wife. A trial for these charges will be separate from the investigation into the bar fire.
Mr. and Mrs. Moretti, along with other individuals, face charges in relation to the fire, including manslaughter by negligence and arson by negligence. The fire is believed to have been triggered by sparklers in champagne bottles igniting foam soundproofing cladding in the ceiling. Video footage showed a waitress, Cyane Panine, holding a champagne bottle with candles high up, which ignited the ceiling foam.
Le Constellation owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti arrive to attend a hearing as part of the inquiry on February 11.
Legal representatives for the Morettis stated that the alleged domestic abuse events are being investigated in a separate case pertaining exclusively to their private lives and should not be confused with the Constellation tragedy. They added that these events occur within the context of a "particularly intense ordeal" the couple has faced since January 1.
Investigations into the fire have revealed significant structural modifications to the bar. Jacques Moretti admitted to reducing the width of a stairwell from three meters to one meter when he took over management in 2015. This modification, which significantly narrowed the escape route, has been cited by investigators as playing a decisive role in the high death toll, with 85% of fatalities occurring on the cramped staircase. The wooden steps and handrails reportedly collapsed under the pressure of fleeing patrons.
Additionally, Mr. Moretti acknowledged that a ground-floor service door was locked from the inside when the fire began. He stated he forced it open upon arrival, finding victims inside. He did not know why the door was locked. The couple has denied any wrongdoing in relation to the fire, previously attributing blame to the waitress who also died.
Mrs. Moretti has also been charged with forgery related to the invoice for the sound-insulating foam panels. Mr. Moretti was previously held in custody in January in connection with the fire but was released on bail. He also has a prior conviction for "aggravated pimping" in France in 2008.
In video footage, someone can be seen trying desperately to extinguish the fire, but within seconds it takes hold, erupting into a deadly fireball that engulfs the packed bar.
Cyane Panine, a 24-year-old waitress, was reportedly encouraged by Mrs. Moretti to "get the atmosphere going" by using sparklers in champagne bottles. Mr. Moretti described finding Ms. Panine dying amongst a pile of bodies behind the locked service door. The couple viewed Ms. Panine as a stepdaughter. In total, 16 people have been charged in relation to the fire, including local councilors who granted licenses for the bar.