Summary
A fire at a Swiss bar on New Year's Eve killed 40 people and hurt 116. The bar owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face a criminal investigation, and their lawyers have claimed they are targets of unfair public blame. The fire reportedly started when sparklers ignited flammable ceiling foam.
Key Facts
- The fire occurred in the basement of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a popular Swiss ski resort.
- Initial investigation suggests sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproof foam.
- The bar had not undergone safety checks for five years, according to authorities.
- Most of the fire's victims were young people, with eight under the age of 16.
- Lawyers representing the bar owners say the couple was unaware of the fire hazard.
- The Morettis' lawyers refuted claims of misconduct by Jessica Moretti during the fire.
- Jacques Moretti is in custody, and both owners face conditions such as travel bans to prevent fleeing.
- Prosecutors are seeking a 400,000-franc bail for the Morettis' release.
