The proprietor of a Swiss tavern where numerous individuals perished in a blaze on New Year’s Eve has been apprehended.
Jacques Moretti, the operator of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, where 40 individuals lost their lives in a tragic fire, has been taken into custody following an order from Swiss authorities.
Moretti, aged 49, had been free since the devastating 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 French couple is accused of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. They were summoned for questioning after 40 people, mostly teenagers, perished, while 116 others were injured in the fire.
Prosecutors spent Friday interrogating the couple about the fire at their bar, Le Constellation, in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana on January 1st.
The private hearing took place as Switzerland observed a national day of mourning for the deceased and the 116 individuals who sustained severe burns in the tragedy.
The Morettis arrived at the prosecutor’s office in Sion, the capital of the canton of Valais, accompanied by police escort on Friday and declined to comment as they entered the building early in the morning.
The fire was one of the most devastating in Swiss history, with condolences extended to the numerous victims. Investigations suggest the fire was sparked by candle sparklers being held too close to the ceiling, and authorities are examining whether the ceiling material designed for sound insulation met regulations.
A source involved in the inquiry stated: “Mr. Moretti was taken into custody at the conclusion of the hearing, while his wife was allowed to remain free. Mr. Moretti is considered a flight risk and has been detained to prevent him from leaving Switzerland.”
The victims, aged between 14 and 39, included Brit-educated Charlotte Niddam among the deceased. Legal representatives for the fire victims had demanded the detention of the couple, who are both French citizens, pending trial.
Sébastien Fanti, representing the hospitalized victims, commented on Mr. Moretti before the hearing: “He’s a questionable individual whose actions raise concerns.”
Experts believe that the sparklers ignited highly flammable acoustic foam, triggering a ‘flashover’ fire – a rapid combustion of all contents in a confined space.
Families have lodged a legal complaint with Switzerland’s prosecutor’s office. Geneva-based attorney Romain Jordan mentioned: “Each family has filed a complaint and joined the legal proceedings. These applications have been accepted.”
Authorities are now probing renovations carried out in 2015, amid allegations of inadequate safety standards. They will also investigate the use of fire extinguishers and the functionality of fire exits.
According to Switzerland’s Tribune de Genève newspaper, Mr. Moretti claimed that the bar had been inspected “three times in 10 years” and that all operations were conducted in compliance with standards. The Morettis operate two other establishments, one in Crans-Montana and another in nearby Lens.