The owners of a Swiss bar where a deadly fire killed 41 people on New Year’s Day were confronted by grieving families during a court hearing, with relatives shouting accusations and demanding justice. The emotional scene unfolded in Sion, Switzerland, as Jacques and Jessica Moretti arrived to testify about the fire at Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort.
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Morettis were swarmed by angry relatives who blame them for the tragedy. One father yelled, ‘My son is dead. He was burnt,’ while others called them monsters. Jessica Moretti, 40, tried to pass through the crowd, visibly distressed by the accusations. The confrontation highlighted the raw grief and anger of families who lost loved ones in the fire.
The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026, when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproofing foam on the ceiling. The blaze spread rapidly, killing 41 people and injuring 115 others. Many victims were teenagers, with ages ranging from 14 to 39. Investigators have pointed to safety failures, including locked exits and lack of fire drills, as contributing factors.
During the hearing, Jessica Moretti broke down in tears, admitting that evacuation drills were ‘never conducted’ and that no one had asked them to perform such exercises. Her husband, Jacques, expressed remorse, telling the families, ‘We will take responsibility. We promise you, we are here for justice.’ The couple is under criminal investigation for involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson through negligence.
Families of the victims shared their harrowing experiences. Leila Micheloud, whose two daughters were badly injured, had a private encounter with the Morettis, described by lawyers as an ‘extremely intense moment.’ Her daughter Farah, 20, remains hospitalized with burns over 35% of her body. Another mother, Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, lost her 16-year-old son Arthur and demanded truth and accountability, saying, ‘There must be no more lies.’
The investigation has revealed multiple lapses. A former employee reported using snooker cues to push foam back into place weeks before the fire, indicating prior awareness of hazards. Authorities noted that the bar had not been inspected for fire safety since 2019, and local officials admitted to missed opportunities in enforcement. The town’s mayor has expressed regret over the oversight.
Legal proceedings face challenges, with families questioning the thoroughness of the investigation. Some relatives are concerned that autopsies were not performed on all victims, raising doubts about the cause of death. Lawyers for the victims have criticized delays, such as seizing the owners’ phones nine days after the fire, potentially compromising evidence.
The case has drawn international attention, putting pressure on Swiss authorities to ensure justice. As the hearings continue, families seek closure and assurances that such tragedies can be prevented in the future. The Morettis have pledged to cooperate fully, but the path to accountability remains fraught with emotion and legal complexity.
