One of the owners of a famous ski bar in Switzerland was detained after a New Year’s Eve fire claimed 40 lives and injured over 100, with the building’s safety inspections neglected for five years.
Swiss prosecutors confirmed that Jacques Moretti, a French national and co-owner of Le Constellation bar, has been detained due to flight risk, while his wife and co-owner Jessica Moretti is under investigation for multiple charges including negligent homicide, negligent injury, and negligent arson.
The fire occurred on New Year’s Eve in the underground bar of a popular ski resort, resulting in 116 injuries, several of which are serious burn cases.
Prosecutors stated that the fire likely started from a sparkler attached to a champagne bottle that was held too high, igniting soundproof foam on the ceiling, which caused the fire to spread rapidly amid a large crowd.
Adding to the tragedy, the bar had not undergone safety inspections for five years, despite regulations requiring annual checks for such entertainment venues.
Reports indicate that Jacques Moretti was detained after questioning by prosecutors in Sion, Valais canton. Under Swiss law, suspects can be held up to 48 hours pending a court decision.
Jessica Moretti tearfully told reporters while in police custody, “My heart is with all the victims and those still fighting. This is an unimaginable tragedy, and we never thought it would happen in our bar. I am truly sorry.”
Previously, both co-owners issued a statement expressing deep condolences and full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Last Friday, Switzerland held a national memorial ceremony with a one-minute moment of silence, followed by continuous church bell ringing for five minutes to honor the fire victims.
Train and tram services were temporarily suspended, and Zurich Airport briefly halted operations as a mark of respect. At the memorial in Crans-Montana, attendees gave prolonged applause to firefighters who risked their lives to rescue victims.
The discovery that the bar had neglected safety inspections for years has deeply angered the families of the deceased. Romain Jordan, a lawyer representing some families, called it shocking and questioned whether the local municipality should urgently face investigation.
Nicolas Féraud, mayor of Crans-Montana, admitted he cannot explain why the bar was not inspected for so long and announced a ban on the use of sparklers in all entertainment venues within the area.
Reports indicate many victims were young, including eight under the age of 16. Numerous injured individuals suffer severe burns and are receiving treatment both in Switzerland and other European countries.
Meanwhile, funerals for some victims have begun amid widespread grief and ongoing societal questions awaiting answers.
,BBC
Click to read news related toBar fire