Swiss authorities have ordered that one of the owners of a Crans-Montana ski resort bar remain in detention as the investigation into a deadly New Year’s Eve fire continues.
The court ruling comes amid concerns that the suspect might leave the country while facing serious criminal charges.
Jacques Moretti, a French national and co-owner of Le Constellation bar, will be held for 90 days, according to a decision from a court that handles custody measures.
Prosecutors say the detention is necessary because he poses a flight risk. Both Jacques and his wife Jessica, who also owns the bar, face accusations of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
The blaze, which erupted during New Year celebrations, killed 40 people and injured 116 others. Many of the victims were under 20 years old, including eight children younger than 16. Around 80 of the injured remain in hospitals in Switzerland and across Europe, with several suffering severe burns.
Investigators believe the fire started when champagne bottles with sparklers attached were raised too close to the ceiling in the basement bar. The sparks are thought to have ignited the sound-insulating foam on the ceiling, causing the fire to spread quickly throughout the crowded venue.
Jacques Moretti was initially arrested on Friday for 48 hours, but the judge later extended his detention to three months. This type of custody, known as provisional detention, can last until the case goes to trial and may be renewed if necessary.
The court said he could be released if he pays bail, with the amount to be determined later.
Jessica Moretti, who is under house arrest, spoke to reporters on Friday and expressed sorrow for the tragedy, calling it “unthinkable”.
Both owners were formally placed under criminal investigation a few days after the fire.
The disaster drew attention to safety lapses at the bar, which had not been inspected for five years, even though local regulations require annual checks. Families of the victims were shocked by this revelation.
Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud said, “We regret that - we owe it to the families and we will accept the responsibility.” He added that sparklers would no longer be permitted in local entertainment venues.
The investigation continues as prosecutors gather evidence to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether negligence contributed to the high number of casualties.
