Bar Owners of 'Disaster Waiting to Happen' Where 47 Died in NYE Fire - Their UK Ties Revealed
The Tragic Night at Le Constellation
The tragic fire that engulfed the Swiss nightclub Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, resulting in at least 47 fatalities and over 100 injuries, has brought scrutiny upon its owners, a French couple known for their success in the hospitality industry. Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica, 40, hailing from Corsica, have found themselves under intense public and investigative scrutiny following the disaster.
Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who have a young son, opened Le Constellation in December 2015 after being captivated by the ski resort during a holiday visit in 2011. Their bar quickly became a popular spot, featuring an upstairs terrace and a basement club that attracted a mix of locals and international visitors. The venue was described as offering an elegant space with a festive atmosphere, making it a go-to destination for winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking nightlife in the area.
The couple's business acumen led them to open two additional restaurants in the region, establishing a reputation as a dedicated and successful team. However, the recent tragedy has raised serious questions about the safety measures in place at their most famous establishment.
Safety Concerns and Fire Investigation
Fire investigators are now examining whether the basement, which had only one narrow staircase, was inherently dangerous. Many victims reportedly perished due to the chaos of trying to escape through a single exit, especially as the fire spread rapidly in the enclosed space filled with New Year’s Eve revelers.
The investigation also focuses on the materials used within the club. Reports suggest that wooden furnishings, wall panelling, and foam-style insulation on the ceiling may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Witnesses claim the blaze began when a waitress held a sparkler in a bottle, igniting materials on the ceiling. This led to a flashover, causing all flammable surfaces to ignite almost instantly.
Questions are being raised about the appropriateness of using sparklers as part of the club’s theatrical presentation. Additionally, a safety rating of 6.5 out of 10 on a listings website called Wheree has drawn attention, though the criteria for the rating remain unclear.
Personal Impact on the Couple
Mrs. Moretti was inside the club when the fire broke out and suffered burns to her arm, while Mr. Moretti was working at one of their other businesses. Sources describe the couple as "completely in shock" following the incident. Social media pages for the club on Instagram and Facebook were deleted early on, even as emergency responders worked to recover victims from the wreckage.
Mr. Moretti shared how he and his wife transformed a previously abandoned building into Le Constellation, spending nearly six months working on the renovations himself. He described the effort involved, including the use of 14 tons of dry stone sourced from Saint-Léonard. His bar was a showcase for Corsican products, offering a variety of local delicacies alongside Swiss items.
Expansion and Community Involvement
The success of Le Constellation enabled the Morettis to expand their business further. In 2020, they opened a gourmet burger restaurant named Senso, and in 2023, they launched Vieux Chalet, a Corsican-style inn in the nearby village of Lens. Plans for a Corsican festival in Lens were also in the works, aiming to bring Corsican musicians to perform in local venues.
While Mr. Moretti maintains a low profile online, his wife has an active presence on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, where she is listed as the owner of their three businesses.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Reaction
As the investigation continues, the community and authorities are grappling with the implications of the disaster. The tragic event has sparked discussions about safety standards in entertainment venues and the responsibility of business owners to ensure the well-being of their patrons. The Morettis, once celebrated for their entrepreneurial spirit, now face the daunting challenge of addressing the fallout from this devastating incident.
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