Swiss Bar Owner Detained Following Deadly New Year's Fire

Swiss authorities have detained Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, following a New Year's Day fire that resulted in 40 deaths and 116 injuries. The Valais region prosecutor's office announced Moretti's pre-trial detention after a meeting in Sion, citing concerns over flight risk. His wife and business partner, Jessica Moretti, attended the meeting but was not detained; she sustained a burn on her arm during the incident.

The fire erupted around 1:30 a.m. on January 1 at the popular Alpine resort bar. Investigators are examining whether sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited the ceiling, leading to the blaze.

Crans-Montana's municipal chief, Nicolas Féraud, highlighted a "culture of reckless risk-taking" at the establishment, noting that fire safety inspections had not been conducted since 2019.

The victims, many in their teens and twenties, included nine French and six Italian citizens. Identification efforts were challenging due to severe burns. Swiss and Italian authorities are conducting criminal investigations into suspected involuntary homicide and bodily harm. France is also assisting to support the victims' families.

A national day of mourning included a memorial ceremony, candle vigils, and church bells ringing throughout Switzerland. Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed national grief and solidarity, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the need for accountability and justice, vowing support for affected families.