🚨 OWNERS FINALLY SPEAK: “We Are Devastated” – But Families Demand Justice After 40 Lives Lost in Horrific New Year’s Inferno 🔥😢

After days of silence amid raging accusations of deadly negligence, the owners of the Swiss bar turned deadly trap have broken their cover. “We are devastated and overwhelmed with grief,” they say… but is it enough?

Sparklers on champagne bottles ignited toxic foam ceiling → flashover in seconds → 40 dead (many teens as young as 14), 116 burned and fighting for life. Locked exits? No recent fire inspections? Owners under criminal probe for manslaughter by negligence, arson by negligence…

Survivors hid from walls of flame, screams echoing as smoke choked the basement. Families still grieving, some calling it preventable murder.

Their first words after the blaze: tears, apologies… but critics say too little, too late. Click to see the full statement and why outrage is exploding.

The French couple who owned and managed Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana have issued their first public statement since a devastating New Year’s Day fire killed at least 40 people and injured 116 others. The blaze, which erupted early on January 1, 2026, during a crowded celebration, has prompted a criminal investigation into the owners on suspicions of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.

Jacques Moretti, 49, and Jessica Moretti, 40, described themselves as “devastated and overwhelmed with grief” in comments reported by Swiss media and international outlets. They expressed a willingness to “take responsibility” and not “evade” the consequences of the tragedy. The statement came after prosecutors in the canton of Valais placed them under formal investigation, with one report indicating Jacques Moretti was briefly detained for questioning. Authorities have not confirmed arrests but emphasized the probe focuses on potential failures in safety compliance and venue management.

The fire began around 1:30 a.m. in the basement bar, where revellers were marking the new year. Preliminary findings point to sparklers attached to champagne bottles—held aloft during a celebratory ritual—as the ignition source. These pyrotechnics reportedly came too close to acoustic foam insulation on the ceiling, triggering rapid combustion. The foam, used for soundproofing, fueled a flashover effect, where intense heat caused nearly simultaneous ignition throughout the space. Thick, toxic smoke filled the area within seconds, trapping many inside.

Witnesses described chaos: a “wall of heat,” screams, people climbing over one another to reach a narrow staircase—the primary exit from the basement. Some accounts allege emergency exits were locked or obstructed, though officials have not confirmed this. The venue, renovated by the Morettis in 2015, was packed beyond capacity, exacerbating the panic and escape difficulties.

The death toll stands at 40, with more than half the victims teenagers, including individuals as young as 14. Among the deceased were Swiss, French, and Italian nationals, as well as others from various European countries. Identification of all victims was completed by January 4, with bodies repatriated in some cases, including five Italian students flown home. The injured numbered 116, many suffering severe burns requiring specialized treatment; some were transferred to hospitals in France, Italy, Germany, and Belgium as local facilities reached capacity.

Swiss authorities, led by Valais prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud, are examining whether the acoustic foam complied with fire safety regulations and if recent inspections were adequate. Reports indicate no fire safety checks had occurred at the premises for at least five years, highlighting potential shortcomings in the canton’s oversight system. The Swiss federal structure delegates much safety enforcement to local levels, and this incident has renewed debate about consistency in standards across regions.

In their statement, the Morettis conveyed profound sorrow for the victims and their families. Jessica Moretti, speaking after a court appearance, reportedly said she wanted to “apologise” for the “unimaginable tragedy.” They have maintained that the bar met required standards, with one earlier comment from Jacques Moretti to local media claiming inspections occurred “three times in 10 years” and everything was “within the standards.” However, these assertions have faced skepticism amid revelations about the foam’s flammability and the rapid spread of the fire.

Survivor testimonies have added to the anguish. One person recounted hiding from flames while hearing cries for help. Others described the basement turning into a “deathtrap” as smoke reduced visibility to near zero. A waitress filmed holding sparklers on bottles has been identified in media reports as Cyane Panine, 24, who perished in the blaze. Her family has disputed claims of close ties to the owners, alleging employment disputes and a lack of safety training.

The tragedy has drawn international attention, with condolences from leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Pope Leo XIV met relatives of victims and expressed being “very moved and distraught.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for accountability, while France has launched its own inquiry given the owners’ nationality.

Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans and other officials attended a memorial in Martigny attended by about 1,000 people. Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the event as “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever known,” noting the young age of most victims.

The investigation continues, with authorities analyzing venue records, renovation details, witness statements, and forensic evidence from the site. Questions remain about the foam’s regulatory status, emergency exit functionality, crowd management, and staff training on pyrotechnics risks. Prosecutors have not ruled out additional charges, such as failing to assist persons in danger.

For the families, the pain is compounded by uncertainty and grief. Many waited agonizingly for news of loved ones, some traveling to hospitals or morgues. A makeshift memorial outside the bar has become a site for tributes, with flowers, candles, and messages accumulating.

This disaster echoes past nightclub fires, such as The Station in Rhode Island (2003) and Kiss in Brazil (2013), where flammable materials and poor exits contributed to high casualties. In Switzerland, known for stringent safety norms, the incident has prompted calls for federal-level reforms to ensure uniform inspections and bans on certain interior materials.

As the probe unfolds, the Morettis’ expression of grief has been met with mixed reactions. Some view it as a necessary step toward accountability; others see it as insufficient given the scale of loss. Authorities have promised thoroughness, with results expected to shape future safety protocols in the country’s hospitality sector.

The nation—and affected countries—continue to mourn while seeking answers to prevent such a preventable catastrophe from recurring.