In brief
The owners of the Le Constellation bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are facing questioning over their alleged roles in the disastrous fire that occurred on New Year's Day, resulting in numerous casualties. As victims' families seek closure and accountability, the hearings highlight safety oversights and the need for a thorough investigation into the events leading up to the tragedy.
Swiss bar owner Jacques Moretti was questioned by lawyers acting for victims' families on Wednesday, over the New Year's Day fire disaster in Crans-Montana that left 41 people dead and 115 injured.
He arrived for the hearing in Sion with his wife, Jessica, whose lawyer Yaël Hayat described the latest hearings as moments of truth. Jessica Moretti faces questions on Thursday.
Ahead of the hearing, one mother told Swiss TV she needed to know what had gone wrong and why.
What's important is that the whole truth comes out, said Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, whose 16-year-old son Arthur died in the fire.
There must be no more lies, she told public broadcaster SRF. I want everyone to take responsibility; politics and parties don't matter to me.
Jacques and Jessica Moretti are under criminal investigation for involuntary manslaughter, as well as bodily harm and arson through negligence. Neither is being held in custody; Mr Moretti was released on bail last month.
Their lawyer emphasized that they did not seek to evade responsibility, acknowledging their role as guardians of the premises where the tragedy unfolded.
Criticism has emerged regarding safety failings, with former employees alleging that proper fire precautions were neglected. Questions have also arisen about the locked service door that obstructed escape during the fire.
Amid the unfolding tragedy, victims' families continue to demand transparency and accountability, focusing on the need for systemic changes to prevent similar disasters in the future.
