Jacques Moretti (49) and his wife Jessica Moretti (40) are under judicial supervision after the January 1st fire at the Constellation Hotel in the Crans-Montana ski resort. French citizens are intensively interrogated by prosecutors, and according to the interrogation minutes obtained by the newspaper Le Parisientheir defense is based on the claim that they are not responsible for the tragedy, but others, reports Daily Mail.
During nearly 20 hours of questioning, the Morettis claimed that on the fateful night, Cyane Panine put on a show, climbing on a colleague’s shoulders and brandishing champagne bottles with sprinklers on. They state that she did not notice how the sprinklers hit the ceiling of the bar’s basement, which was covered with easily flammable foam, and that there is also a video recording of this.
“It was Cyane’s show. I didn’t stop her from doing it,” Jacques Moretti told prosecutors. “We didn’t see the danger. Cyane loved doing it, she loved being part of the show.”
His wife, Jessica Moretti, said: “Cyane was doing it of her own free will. If I thought there was even the slightest risk, I would have banned it. In ten years of running the business, I never thought there could be any danger.”
However, the family of the dead waitress and surviving witnesses strongly dispute these claims. They allege that it was Jessica Moretti, who was the manager that night, who sent Cyane with bottles and encouraged her to perform the stunt, using a promotional helmet provided by the famous champagne brand Dom Pérignon.
Speaking about fire safety, Jacques Moretti said: “There was no training, but employees were told what steps to take in the event of a fire when they were led around the premises. Evacuate customers, raise the alarm and call the fire brigade. And of course, if they have time, let them use the fire extinguishers.”
When confronted with the employee’s statement that he did not know where the fire extinguishers were, he replied: “Maybe I forgot to give this information. Maybe I forgot.”
The couple also tried to shift the blame to an unnamed employee, claiming that he had locked the escape door in the basement. Cyane Panine was found dead right behind that door, the cause of death being smoke inhalation. The door was later broken down.
“The door was always open,” Jessica Moretti said. “Not a day goes by that I don’t wonder why that door was closed that night.”
Jacques Moretti added: “After the tragedy we learned that an employee had delivered ice cubes and, not understanding why, closed the latch at the top of the door.” The suspected employee vehemently denied this, stating, “I didn’t close a door that was already locked.”
Regarding the combustible foam installed during the 2015 renovation, Jacques Moretti stated, “The fire marshal and the fire captain approved it.”
A video has also appeared in the public where, allegedly, Jessica Moretti is seen running away with the cash register in her hand during the fire. In cross-examination, she said: “I accept what’s being said about us, even if it’s false. It’s nothing compared to what the families are going through.”
When asked about minors in the club, which included the 14-year-old who died, she said: “We are not infallible. Maybe there were fake IDs. Maybe some slipped through.”
The Morettis are being prosecuted for negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson for the death of 40 people and serious injuries to 116 people. Their passports have been confiscated, they wear electronic bracelets and are obliged to report to the police every three days, while they completely deny their criminal and civil responsibility.
(Vijesti.ba)
