The legal proceedings surrounding the tragic 2019 fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana have entered a critical phase, as investigators and the court examine digital communications between the establishment’s management and staff. During a recent joint hearing held in Sion, Switzerland, the court reviewed evidence—including internal messaging—that highlights concerns regarding fire safety protocols in the months leading up to the disaster.
The hearing, which took place at the Energypolis venue of the HES-SO Valais-Wallis, focused on the conduct of the bar’s managers, Jessica and Jacques Moretti. The prosecution presented evidence intended to challenge the defense’s narrative, specifically highlighting messages that suggest a pre-existing awareness of potential fire hazards within the venue.
Digital evidence under judicial scrutiny
Central to the recent courtroom developments are specific text messages exchanged between the management and their employees. According to reports from the proceedings, a message sent by Jessica Moretti on December 13, 2019, explicitly warned staff about the dangers of using sparkler candles. The correspondence noted that if these items were to fall or be held too high, they risked igniting the ceiling’s foam insulation, with the manager specifically remarking that the venue could burn as a result.
A second exchange involving Jacques Moretti has also drawn significant attention from legal counsel and the families of the victims. In this instance, Jacques Moretti inquired about the status of a specific emergency exit located near the restrooms. Upon receiving confirmation that the door was blocked, the exchange concluded with an emoji indicating a thumbs-up. While this digital trail has been presented to the court, investigations to date have not conclusively determined whether that specific emergency exit was indeed obstructed on the night of the fire.
Operational practices and the origin of materials
Beyond the internal communications, the hearing shed light on the operational procurement practices of the Moretti couple. It was revealed that the bar sourced sparkler candles from France, with approximately 900 units imported annually because the supplier did not provide direct delivery to Switzerland. Expert analysis of these specific candles, however, indicated a relatively low risk of ignition, provided that users adhered to a mandatory one-meter safety distance.
The fire was exacerbated by the rapid combustion of acoustic foam installed within the bar. Despite extensive investigation, the exact origin and technical specifications of this foam remain a subject of ongoing inquiry. The court continues to weigh these details as it assesses the potential liability of the defendants regarding the fire safety standards maintained at the establishment.
The path forward in the judicial process
The ongoing trial in Sion represents a significant effort to establish accountability for the tragedy that occurred in Crans-Montana. The defense teams and the prosecution are expected to continue debating the relevance of the digital evidence, particularly how the management’s internal warnings align with the safety measures actually implemented at the site.
As the trial progresses, the court will likely continue to examine the consistency between the managers’ stated awareness of risks and their actions in maintaining a safe environment for patrons. Further hearings are expected to provide additional clarity on the timeline of events and the specific responsibilities of the parties involved. Updates on the court’s schedule and future filings will be provided as they become available through official judicial channels.
We invite our readers to follow this developing story as more information is released from the court in Valais. Please feel free to share your thoughts or join the conversation regarding the importance of fire safety regulations in public venues in the comments below.