A Swiss court has ordered the continued detention of Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, after a fire on New Year’s Day killed 40 people. The ruling underscores ongoing investigations into potential negligence and safety failures at the popular ski resort venue.
On Monday, a judge at a Swiss court of coercive measures extended Moretti’s custody for 90 days, a period that can be renewed under Swiss law. Prosecutors argued that the French national is a flight risk, and the court stated that detention could be lifted upon payment of bail, with the sum to be determined later. This decision follows his initial 48-hour detention on Friday, highlighting the severity of the case.
The fire broke out at Le Constellation bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana. Authorities believe the blaze was sparked when revelers raised champagne bottles with attached sparklers too close to the ceiling, igniting sound-insulating foam. The incident resulted in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries, with many victims aged under 20, including eight children under 16. The scale of the tragedy has shocked the local community and drawn international attention.
Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica, both French nationals, are under criminal investigation for manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Jessica Moretti, who is under house arrest, publicly apologized for the “unthinkable tragedy” on Friday. The couple has stated they are cooperating with the investigation, but prosecutors maintain that negligence in safety measures contributed to the disaster.
Investigations revealed that the bar had not undergone mandatory safety inspections for five years, contrary to regulations requiring annual checks. Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud admitted this lapse, expressing regret and vowing to accept responsibility. He announced that sparklers would be banned in local venues to prevent similar incidents, acknowledging the need for improved safety protocols.
The fire has prompted a national day of mourning in Switzerland, with a minute of silence observed across the country last Friday. Many of the injured remain hospitalized in Switzerland and other European countries, with severe burns requiring long-term care. The event has raised questions about government oversight and enforcement of safety standards in tourist hotspots, leading to calls for stricter regulations.
Legal experts note that preventive detention, as imposed on Moretti, is intended to ensure a suspect’s presence until trial and can be extended if necessary. The case is expected to proceed slowly through the Swiss judicial system, with potential for civil lawsuits from victims’ families. The court’s decision to allow bail suggests a possibility for release under certain conditions, but details are pending.
Moving forward, authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact causes and responsibilities, with further updates expected in the coming weeks. The tragedy has sparked a broader dialogue on safety in entertainment venues, particularly during holiday periods, and may lead to policy changes at both local and national levels. Families of the victims are seeking transparency and accountability, hoping for justice and measures to prevent future disasters.
