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The owner of the Swiss nightclub where 40 people tragically lost their lives in a devastating fire has spoken publicly for the first time.
It is believed that over 200 young individuals celebrating the New Year were packed into Le Constellation, a luxurious bar at the well-known ski resort of Crans-Montana, when the fire broke out, resulting in 40 fatalities and hundreds suffering from third-degree burns.
Police officers and firefighters work outside the Le Constellation bar at the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana on January 2Credit: Reuters
Sparklers were held up shortly before the fire as the cladding began to burn on the ceiling
Flames lick the ceiling before a flashover blaze took place, claiming 40 lives
Jacques Moretti, 49, the owner of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, spoke briefly with 24heures , stating: “Everything was done according to the standards.”
The distraught French national declined a lengthy interview with the local media, expressing that he was “not well” after the horrific tragedy that occurred on New Year’s Day at his establishment.
He stated that the venue had undergone inspections three times in the past decade.
Moretti and his wife Jessica, 40, were questioned by police following the incident.
It is reported that Moretti was not present at the venue that night; however, Jessica was there and suffered burns to her arm.
Partygoers as young as 14 were welcoming in 2026 when the venue was engulfed in flames.
The fire, which left another 119 individuals with severe injuries, ignited just hours after midnight at the bar in the upscale Alpine resort.
Sadly, authorities have confirmed that 40 people have died.
Valais’ Minister of Security, Stéphane Ganzer, confirmed that the municipality is responsible for conducting annual building inspections.
In a press conference, he mentioned that, to his knowledge, and without knowing the exact date of the last inspection, there had been no reports of defects for the bar in question.
The youngest victim was 16-year-old Emanuele Galeppini, an Italian golfer.
Officials indicated that the investigation will “take time” and could last several days.
A witness, identified only as Emma, told BFM: “Some of the bottles were near the ceiling, and they caught fire.
“The entire ceiling was ablaze and the fire spread rapidly.
“It happened in seconds. We ran outside, screaming and crying.”
A local police spokesperson confirmed that “dozens of pyrotechnic devices in bottles” were lined up on tables in the basement of the bar.
As the fire escalated into an inferno, partygoers attempted to escape, but the exit staircase was narrow.
One brave survivor made his way to the narrow staircase before scrambling to safety.
Student Ferdinand Du Beaudiez, 19, was celebrating with seven friends – including his brother and girlfriend – at Le Constellation when the fire erupted.
Rescuers are seen at the site of La Constellation barCredit: AFP
The interior of the bar after the fireCredit: AFP
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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