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Bar Owner Charged in Deadly New Year’s Fire

1/10/2026

40 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, was detained amid a criminal investigation into a New Year’s Day fire that killed 40 people, with prosecutors charging him with manslaughter and arson.
Jessica, Moretti's wife, remains free but is under investigation.
Authorities say sparklers started the fire.
Safety inspections at the bar had not occurred since 2019.

History

Historical Context

The Cocoanut Grove fire in Boston on November 28, 1942, killed 492 people, making it the deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. The tragedy exposed severe safety violations, such as locked exits and flammable decorations, prompting Massachusetts to implement stricter fire codes. This incident underscored the critical need for rigorous enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future disasters, influencing fire safety standards nationwide.

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Story summary

Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, was detained amid a criminal investigation into a New Year’s Day fire that killed 40 people, with prosecutors charging him with manslaughter and arson.
Jessica, Moretti's wife, remains free but is under investigation.
Authorities say sparklers started the fire.
Safety inspections at the bar had not occurred since 2019.

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