The owners of the Swiss bar where 41 people died in a New Year’s Eve fire have denounced as “ignoble” claims that they fled with the cash till during the blaze.
Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica, 40, denied the allegation in a letter to staff of the Constellation bar at the ski resort of Crans-Montana.
Both are facing a manslaughter investigation over the fire in which 116 people were also injured.
The Morettis, who are French, have been scrutinised over the disclosure that the fire started when sparklers being held up in champagne bottles set light to the soundproof foam they had installed on the ceiling.
A photo taken at the start of the fire
Italian media outlets also claimed that Jessica Moretti had left the bar with the till when the fire broke out.
Some staff members have complained that they have had no contact with the owners. Other former employees have claimed that the Morettis kept the emergency exit shut to stop people getting into the bar. Under questioning the Morettis appeared to suggest that employees had taken it upon themselves to lock the door.
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In their letter, the couple denied trying to pass the buck.
View over the resort of Crans Montana
ALAMY
“We bear this responsibility without trying in any way to pass it on to you,” they write. “None of you should have to go through such an ordeal. You were under our protection and you will always be.”
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The letter says that “unchained media outlets” have invented “serious lies” about them.
“One of the most ignoble was about the immediate escape from the scene, with cash box in arm, while we were there, facing the chaos, terrified by those war-like scenes during that night of horror, trying to bring help, especially to some of you.
The couple attending a hearing last month
FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/GETTY
Jessica Moretti with her lawyers
JEAN-CHRISTOPHE/EPA
“We have been infinitely wounded by many of the calumnies that have been spread. At the same time, they have accentuated your pain and we deplore that. We won’t abandon you. We are bound by the same destiny and we will do everything in our power to help you.”
The letter also says that the Morettis have been unable to pay staff wages since the fire, their accounts having been blocked. They appeal to prosecutors to allow the payment of the salaries.