“THE DOOR IS NEVER LOCKED”: Jacques Moretti’s Assertion Clashes with Leaked Evidence and Survivor Accounts in Crans-Montana Fire Probe

The criminal investigation into the catastrophic New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland — which claimed 40 lives (many teenagers) and injured 116 others on January 1, 2026 — has intensified with conflicting claims about the venue’s exits. Co-owner Jacques Moretti, currently in pre-trial detention, has asserted that the service door (a ground-floor access point) was “never locked” under normal operations. However, survivor testimonies, forensic findings, and leaked reports — including references to videos and internal logs — paint a starkly different picture, showing desperate attempts from inside to force or break through the door during the blaze.

Moretti told investigators he only discovered the door was secured from the inside (with a latch) upon arriving at the scene after the fire had started. He claims he forced it open and found multiple victims piled behind it, including beloved waitress Cyane Panine, who suffocated amid the crush. He insists he had no prior knowledge of why it was locked that night and denies any intentional act. Yet this assertion has been challenged by emerging evidence suggesting the door may have been habitually or deliberately secured, contributing to the deadly bottleneck.

Here are haunting images from the fire’s aftermath, showing the bar’s exterior and the area around the controversial service door:

This photograph captures the charred remains of Le Constellation the morning after the blaze, with investigators examining the structure and potential exit points.

Another stark view of the building’s entrance, now transformed into a memorial site with flowers, candles, and messages from grieving families and friends.

Leaked and analyzed footage — fragments of which have circulated in investigative circles and referenced in Swiss media reports (RTS, Le Nouvelliste, and others) — reportedly shows multiple attempts from inside to break or pry at the service door during the chaos. Witnesses described hearing banging, screaming, and the sound of metal being forced as people in the basement tried to escape the rapidly spreading flames and thick black smoke. The door’s failure to open easily is believed to have trapped dozens in the crush, leading to deaths primarily from asphyxiation and trampling rather than burns alone.

Here are additional visuals illustrating the blocked or locked door controversy and the human tragedy:

This close-up focuses on the ground-floor service door area post-fire, where forensic teams concentrated efforts to determine why access was restricted during the emergency.

A somber memorial tribute wall outside the bar, covered in photos of victims and messages demanding accountability for safety lapses.

The fire ignited around 1:26 a.m. CET when sparklers on champagne bottles (held aloft in a festive routine) came too close to the low ceiling’s flammable soundproofing foam, triggering a catastrophic flashover. Panic ensued in the crowded basement, with the main staircase becoming overwhelmed. The service door — not designated as a primary emergency exit but a secondary access point — became a focal point of hope for many trapped inside.

Moretti’s subsequent actions have drawn further shock and criticism. He admitted to investigators that he initially believed “everything was controlled” and was slow to act upon first alert. A roughly six-minute gap in his timeline (from notification to arrival and door-forcing) is under intense scrutiny, as prosecutors question whether faster intervention could have cleared or unlocked exits sooner. Reports also note that former staff alleged the emergency exits were sometimes blocked or locked for operational reasons, and fire extinguishers were kept in locked rooms — patterns that may have contributed to the high death toll.

Here are powerful images from the national mourning and public response:

This photograph shows mourners at a silent vigil in Crans-Montana, holding candles and signs calling for justice and reforms.

Another emotional scene from a memorial gathering, where community members honor the 40 victims amid ongoing grief and demands for accountability.

The Valais prosecutor’s office has extended Moretti’s detention for three months due to flight risk (as a French national), while his wife Jessica remains under judicial supervision. The couple faces charges of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson. They have expressed deep remorse and pledged cooperation, but public outrage persists — fueled by online harassment, vandalism at their home, and the emerging evidence contradicting Moretti’s claims.

Investigators continue to re-examine CCTV fragments, witness statements, phone data, and the bar’s layout. The question of why the service door was locked from the inside — and whether prior habits or negligence played a role — remains central. If proven, it could significantly elevate the charges against the owners.

The tragedy of Le Constellation has left Switzerland grappling with grief, anger, and calls for systemic change in venue safety. The evidence investigators are re-examining — including those desperate attempts on the door — underscores how critical seconds and clear escapes can mean the difference between life and unimaginable loss.