Swiss Prosecutors Seek Detention of Bar Owner After Deadly Fire

Swiss prosecutors have requested the pretrial detention of Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, following a New Year's Eve fire that resulted in 40 fatalities and over 110 injuries. The request was made after extensive questioning of Mr. Moretti and his wife, Jessica Moretti, who co-owns the bar. While Mrs. Moretti was released under judicial supervision, authorities cited a "real risk of him fleeing" as the basis for seeking Mr. Moretti's detention. The couple is under criminal investigation on suspicion of involuntary homicide and other charges related to the fire. Investigators believe the blaze was ignited by sparklers attached to champagne bottles, which set the ceiling alight. The incident has prompted scrutiny over fire safety inspections, which had not been conducted at the bar since 2019, despite regulations requiring annual checks.