Watch: Swiss bar owner cries 'I'm sorry' after New Year blaze kills 40

In the aftermath of devastating tragedies, public grief is often accompanied by an urgent search for accountability. It is human nature to ask how something like this could have happened, and whether it could have been prevented.

While investigations and accountability are important, such moments also reveal raw human pain — not only among victims and their families, but among those left grappling with the weight of an accident that changed lives forever.

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That tension was visible as Jessica Moretti, co-owner of the ski resort bar where a New Year’s Day fire claimed 40 lives, faced a barrage of microphones and cameras.

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In footage shared by Reuters, she appeared overwhelmed as journalists crowded around her, her voice breaking as she offered a tearful apology and spoke of her anguish for the victims.

"My constant thought goes to the victims and those who are fighting today," she said. "This was an unthinkable tragedy and never could we have imagined this. It happened in our bar and I want to say I'm sorry."

Check out the video below:

Her comments came as Swiss prosecutors detained her husband, Jacques Moretti, citing concerns over a potential risk of flight, local newspaper 24 Heures reported on Friday (January 9).

The French couple, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, owned and managed the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. The venue was crowded with young New Year’s revellers when a fire broke out at around 1.30am on January 1, killing 40 people.

Prosecutors are investigating them on suspicion of crimes including homicide by negligence. Victims’ families have also filed legal complaints in connection with the deadly blaze at the Le Constellation bar.

According to investigators, the fire likely began in the bar’s basement section when sparklers attached to champagne bottles were raised too close to the ceiling, which was lined with foam insulation used for soundproofing. The material is believed to have ignited, rapidly spreading the blaze.

The incident has raised serious questions about whether fire safety standards were properly observed at the venue. While authorities pointed to the use of sparklers beneath a foam-clad ceiling as a key factor, the bar’s owner has maintained that all required safety measures were followed.

Adding to the scrutiny, the mayor of Crans-Montana said the bar had not undergone any annual safety inspections since 2019, despite being a popular nightlife venue in the ski resort.

(With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

Elizabeth Gonzales

elizabeth@khaleejtimes.com

Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make the most of it. When she's not looking for new hacks to share with readers, you may find her giving them a real laugh at one of her stand-up comic events.