The manager of a Swiss bar in Crans-Montana, where a tragic fire claimed the lives of 40 individuals on New Year’s Eve, has been arrested. Jacques Moretti, who had been free since the devastating incident, was taken into custody by Swiss authorities due to concerns of him being a flight risk ahead of potential charges.
Alongside his wife Jessica Moretti, the couple is under investigation for charges including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The French pair faced questioning after the fire at their bar, Le Constellation, which resulted in the death of mostly teenagers and injuries to 116 others.
Prosecutors interviewed the Morettis regarding the inferno at their bar as Switzerland observed a national day of mourning for the victims and survivors of the tragedy. The couple, escorted by police, arrived at the prosecutor’s office in Sion without making any statements.
The fire, suspected to have been triggered by candle sparklers near the ceiling and exacerbated by flammable acoustic foam, was one of Switzerland’s deadliest incidents. Mr. Moretti was detained after the hearing, while his wife was allowed to remain free pending further investigations.
The victims, aged between 14 and 39, included Charlotte Niddam, who had received education in Britain. Legal representatives for the fire victims advocated for the Morettis’ pre-trial detention, expressing concerns about Mr. Moretti’s actions prior to the hearing.
Authorities are scrutinizing the renovation work carried out in 2015 at the bar amid allegations of safety standard lapses. Investigations are ongoing into the adequacy of fire safety equipment and procedures at the establishment. Mr. Moretti defended the bar’s compliance with regulations, mentioning previous checks over the years.
Families of the victims have lodged complaints with the Swiss prosecutor’s office, with each family joining as a plaintiff in the legal process. Police are also examining the use of fire safety measures, including fire extinguishers and exits, to ascertain any potential oversights.
Reportedly, the Morettis operate two other establishments in the region, one in Crans-Montana and another in Lens. The Tribune de Genève newspaper conveyed Mr. Moretti’s assertion that the bar had passed inspections and adhered to standards, despite the tragic outcome.