Tragic Fire Claims Lives at Swiss Nightclub
The owners of a Swiss nightclub, where a devastating fire claimed the lives of at least 40 partygoers on New Year’s Eve, have stated that their venue adhered to all safety regulations prior to the incident. Jack and Jessica Moretti, who manage Le Constellation, shared their first comments following the tragic event, which erupted when a sparkler attached to a champagne bottle set the ceiling ablaze during a celebration.
“Everything was done according to regulations,” Jacques Moretti, 49, told a Swiss news outlet. They are clearly shaken. “We can’t sleep or eat. We’re not feeling well.”
Situated at the Cranmontan ski resort in the Swiss Alps, the nightclub had undergone inspections three times in the last decade, the couple reported. They were questioned by police on Friday and expressed their commitment to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation surrounding the horrific incident.
“We will do our best to find out the cause,” the distressed husband added. “We’re doing everything we can. Our lawyers are involved.”
Having purchased the establishment in 2015, the French couple transformed the once-dilapidated cafe into a popular nightlife destination. Jack was not in the club when the fire ignited shortly after midnight, but Jessica was inside and reportedly sustained burns to her arm while attempting to escape.
The flames spread rapidly through the bar, which has a capacity of 300 people, and by around 1:30 a.m., attendees were struggling to breathe. Swiss officials explained that the initial fire triggered a “flashover,” igniting all combustible materials in the room simultaneously and resulting in multiple explosions.
Disturbing images from that night reveal guests waving sparklers and champagne bottles as flames ascended the low ceiling. One witness recounted the chaos, stating, “It was a fireworks candle in a champagne bottle that caused the explosion. The entire ceiling of the bar was on fire.”
Another photograph shows a woman in a helmet, lit bottle in hand, being carried on the shoulders of a masked individual. Sparklers appeared to be a common feature at Le Constellation, and a promotional video from the previous year highlighted waitresses navigating the crowd with flaming champagne bottles, dangerously close to the ceiling.
Swiss prosecutor Beatrice Piloud indicated that multiple individuals have been interrogated, as authorities assess whether the owners hold any criminal responsibility. “We will also focus on the number of attendees, the venue’s agreed-upon capacity, and the access routes in and out,” she noted.
Meanwhile, efforts to identify the victims continue, with many believed to be foreign tourists. The predominantly young crowd suffered severe injuries, and authorities have stated it could take several days to identify all the deceased. Experts are utilizing dental records and DNA analysis in their identification process.
