Service door of Crans-Montana bar where 40 died in fire was locked from inside, owner says

"Most of the 40 people who died were teenagers, and another 116 people were injured. Moretti told the Valais public prosecutor's office that he had found out about the locked door just after the deadly fire. When he arrived at the scene, he forced open the door, according to excerpts from police reports published by several French and Swiss media outlets confirmed to AFP by a source close to the case."

"Initial findings suggest the fire was caused by sparklers coming into contact with soundproofing foam installed on the ceiling of the establishment's basement. Questions are also being raised regarding the presence and accessibility of fire extinguishers, and whether the bar's exits were in compliance with regulations. We always add a sparkler candle when we serve a bottle of wine in the dining room, said his wife and co-owner, Jessica, who was released after Friday's hearing."

"Moretti told investigators he had carried out tests and the candles were not powerful enough to ignite the acoustic foam. He said he bought the foam in a DIY store and installed it himself during renovations carried out after buying the establishment in 2015. Regarding the presence of numerous underage kids in the bar at the time of the tragedy, Moretti said the establishment prohibited anyone under the age of 16 and that customers aged 16 to 18 had to be accompanied by an adult."

Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, told investigators he discovered a service door locked from the inside and forced it open, finding several people behind it. The fire killed 40 people, mostly teenagers, and injured 116. Initial findings indicate sparklers contacted soundproofing foam on the basement ceiling, igniting the blaze. Moretti said he bought and installed the foam himself after renovating in 2015 and that tests showed the sparkler candles were not powerful enough to ignite it. Authorities are examining extinguisher availability, exit compliance, underage attendance, and have charged the owners with negligent homicide and related counts.

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