The service door at Crans-Montana's Constellation bar, where 40 people lost their lives in a devastating fire during New Year's celebrations, was locked from the inside, according to Jacques Moretti, one of the bar's co-owners. This revelation has come under intense scrutiny as investigators look into the tragic events.
Moretti claimed that he discovered the door had been locked after the incident and subsequently forced it open to find several people lying behind it. The investigation has raised questions about the bar's safety protocols, particularly with regards to fire extinguishers and exit compliance.
According to Moretti, sparklers ignited by customers may have caused the fire that spread rapidly through the establishment. He claims to have conducted tests on his own and found that the candles were not powerful enough to ignite the soundproofing foam installed in the basement.
Moretti's wife, Jessica, co-owner of the bar, expressed support for her husband during a recent hearing, stating that customers aged 16-18 must be accompanied by an adult, although she acknowledged there may have been a lapse in protocol regarding underage children in the establishment.
The couple faces serious charges, including negligent homicide, bodily harm, and arson. As investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, questions linger about how such a devastating incident could occur at a venue that claims to prohibit minors under 16 and has measures in place for adult supervision.
Moretti claimed that he discovered the door had been locked after the incident and subsequently forced it open to find several people lying behind it. The investigation has raised questions about the bar's safety protocols, particularly with regards to fire extinguishers and exit compliance.
According to Moretti, sparklers ignited by customers may have caused the fire that spread rapidly through the establishment. He claims to have conducted tests on his own and found that the candles were not powerful enough to ignite the soundproofing foam installed in the basement.
Moretti's wife, Jessica, co-owner of the bar, expressed support for her husband during a recent hearing, stating that customers aged 16-18 must be accompanied by an adult, although she acknowledged there may have been a lapse in protocol regarding underage children in the establishment.
The couple faces serious charges, including negligent homicide, bodily harm, and arson. As investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, questions linger about how such a devastating incident could occur at a venue that claims to prohibit minors under 16 and has measures in place for adult supervision.