Owner of Le Constellation bar says safety norms were met after New Year’s Eve fire killed 40, as investigation focuses on sparklers and ceiling foam.
CRANS-MONTANA: The owner of a Swiss bar where a fire killed 40 people on New Year’s Eve insists all safety regulations were followed.
Jacques Moretti, who manages Le Constellation bar with his wife Jessica, told Swiss media the establishment had undergone “three inspections in 10 years”.
“Everything was done according to the regulations,” he said.
The blaze erupted in the basement of the bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort, injuring 119 others according to the latest police toll.
Lead prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said the investigation is examining whether safety standards were respected at the venue.
The leading hypothesis is that “sparklers or Bengal candles attached to champagne bottles and lifted too close to the ceiling” ignited the fire.
Social media images show the mini-fireworks near the basement’s low ceiling, which was covered in thin soundproofing foam.
One video showed the ceiling catching alight with flames spreading rapidly as revellers danced, seemingly unaware of the danger.
Pilloud said the bar managers were questioned as witnesses, with no liability established at this stage.
Their information helped explain the bar’s layout, recent renovations, and capacity of 300 people plus a 40-person terrace.
“The investigation will determine whether this foam is compliant” or not, she added.
According to media reports, Jacques Moretti was at the couple’s other establishment when the fire erupted.
Jessica Moretti was present and suffered minor injuries but has since returned home.
Her husband told 20Minutes that he and his wife were distraught.
“We cannot sleep or eat,” he said.
He stressed they were fully cooperating with authorities to help clarify the causes of the tragedy.
“We will do everything we can,” he said.
