Jacques and Jessica Moretti have been charged with manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence following the fatal New Year fire at their Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana
Patrick Hill Senior News Reporter and Emma O’Neill Content Editor
16:29, 03 Jan 2026
(Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
The married couple who run the bar where at least 40 people perished in the Swiss New Year fire have been charged with manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
Police confirmed on Saturday afternoon that a criminal investigation had been launched against Jacques and Jessica Moretti on Friday night.
Valais Police said in a statement: “Investigation Opened Against Managers of “Le Constellation” Bar.
“The initial findings of the investigation launched following the fire that occurred on January 1, 2026, at the “Le Constellation” bar in Crans-Montana have led to the opening of a criminal investigation against the establishment’s two managers.”
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
The announcement followed shortly after Mr Moretti emerged and declined to answer questions, as he was spotted for the first time since the tragedy, reports the Mirror.
Just before the decision was announced publicly, the 49 year old was photographed leaving his home in a white Jaguar SUV alongside a woman thought to be his wife Jessica, 40.
When asked if he was able to stop and speak whilst driving, he responded: “No.”
Being charged by police in Switzerland does not carry the same definition as in the UK. It is understood it effectively means they are formally under investigation as part of a police inquiry.
(Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
In the new statement outlining the charges, police said: “The fire, which broke out during the night of January 1, 2026, claimed the lives of 40 people and injured 119, the majority of whom suffered serious injuries.
“Following the initial investigations, conducted under the direction of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Valais, a criminal investigation was opened last night against the two bar managers.
“They are charged with manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
“It is important to remember that the presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is pronounced.”
It has previously emerged that Mr and Mrs Moretti had been questioned by police as “people called to give information”, rather than under caution.