The proprietor of a Swiss bar where many individuals perished in a fire on New Year’s Eve has been apprehended. Jacques Moretti, the operator of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, where 40 individuals tragically lost their lives in a devastating blaze, has been taken into custody following an order from Swiss authorities.
Moretti, aged 49, had been free since the heartbreaking incident eight days ago. However, Swiss prosecutors have now deemed him ‘a flight risk’ ahead of a potential trial on various charges. His wife, Jessica Moretti, aged 40, is also under official investigation. The couple, who are French nationals, are being investigated for manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. They were summoned for questioning after the fire claimed the lives of 40 people, predominantly teenagers, and left 116 others injured.
Prosecutors conducted an interrogation on Friday with the couple regarding the fire at their establishment, Le Constellation, located in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana on January 1st. The closed-door session coincided with Switzerland observing a national day of mourning for the deceased and the severely burned survivors of the tragedy.
The Morettis arrived at the prosecutor’s office in Sion, the capital of the canton of Valais, escorted by police on Friday. They declined to comment as they entered the building early in the morning. The fire, one of the most catastrophic in Swiss history, prompted tributes to be paid to the numerous victims. It is suspected that the blaze was triggered by candle sparklers held too close to the ceiling, and authorities are investigating whether the ceiling material designed for sound insulation met safety regulations.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, “Mr. Moretti was detained following the interrogation, while his wife was allowed to remain free. Mr. Moretti is considered a flight risk and has been placed in a cell to prevent him from leaving Switzerland.” The deceased victims, aged between 14 and 39, included Charlotte Niddam, who was educated in Britain. Legal representatives for the fire victims advocated for the couple to be held in pre-trial detention.
Sébastien Fanti, legal counsel for the injured individuals still hospitalized, remarked about Mr. Moretti prior to the hearing, stating, “He’s a dubious individual whose actions raise concerns.” Experts believe that the sparklers ignited highly flammable acoustic foam, leading to a ‘flashover’ fire – a rapid combustion of all materials in an enclosed space.
Families have submitted a legal complaint to Switzerland’s prosecutor’s office, with each family joining as a plaintiff. The complaint was accepted, and the police are now investigating the renovations carried out in 2015, amid allegations of inadequate safety measures. Authorities will also scrutinize the use of fire extinguishers and fire exits.
A report by Switzerland’s Tribune de Genève newspaper indicated that Mr. Moretti claimed the bar had been inspected “three times in 10 years” and that all operations were compliant with standards. The Morettis operate two additional establishments, one in Crans-Montana and another in nearby Lens.