The proprietors of a Swiss alpine bar where a catastrophic fire claimed 41 lives faced intense scrutiny during court hearings this week, as victims’ families demanded accountability for one of Switzerland’s deadliest peacetime disasters. Jacques Moretti, owner of Le Constellation bar in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana, was questioned by legal representatives of victims’ families Wednesday in Sion, while his wife Jessica is scheduled to undergo similar questioning Thursday. The couple arrived at the courthouse silently, accompanied by legal counsel, for what their lawyer Yaël Hayat characterized as “moments of truth” in the investigation. Both Morettis remain under formal criminal investigation for involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson through negligence, though neither is currently detained. Preliminary findings indicate the January 1st tragedy began when sparkling candles in champagne bottles ignited acoustic foam panels on the ceiling—a known fire hazard that employees had previously attempted to secure using snooker cues weeks before the incident. Further investigations revealed the establishment hadn’t undergone proper fire safety inspections since 2019, with local authorities admitting they hadn’t closed any venues for fire code violations until after this catastrophe. The disaster was exacerbated by a locked service door that trapped patrons inside as flames rapidly spread through the packed New Year’s celebration. Most victims were teenagers, with ages ranging from 14 to 39, and an 18-year-old succumbed to his injuries a month later, bringing the final death toll to 41 with 115 injured. Outside the courtroom, grieving mother Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, whose 16-year-old son Arthur perished in the fire, told Swiss television: “What’s important is that the whole truth comes out. There must be no more lies. I want everyone to take responsibility.” The proceedings continue as Switzerland reevaluates its fire safety enforcement practices in entertainment venues.