A Swiss judge has ordered Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Le Constellation bar where a tragic fire claimed 40 lives on New Year’s Eve, to remain in detention for 90 days. Prosecutors argue that Moretti poses a flight risk amid ongoing investigations into negligence-related charges that could include manslaughter and arson.
This incident underscores significant safety concerns within entertainment venues, as it was revealed that the bar had not undergone safety inspections for five years. The fire, sparked by celebratory sparklers igniting sound insulation, has left 116 individuals injured, with many victims being under the age of 20.
Key Developments
- A judge in Switzerland has ordered Jacques Moretti to remain in custody for 90 days due to flight risk concerns.
- Moretti and his wife, Jessica, face charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
- The fire occurred on New Year’s Eve at Le Constellation, injuring 116 people, many of whom were young.
- Authorities confirmed the bar had not been inspected for safety in five years, raising questions about regulatory compliance.
- Jessica Moretti is currently under house arrest and expressed regret over the tragedy.
Full Report
Incident Overview
The catastrophic fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana is believed to have been ignited when celebratory sparklers attached to champagne bottles were raised too close to the ceiling, setting off an inferno. The flames quickly engulfed the basement bar, leading to a heartbreaking loss of life and numerous injuries, with eight of the deceased being under 16 years old. Many of the injured remain hospitalized, with severe burn injuries.
Legal Proceedings
Jacques Moretti was initially detained for 48 hours following the fire, but after a court ruling, he will remain in custody for a further 90 days. This detention is provisional and is intended to last until legal proceedings begin. The court may reconsider the detention upon payment of a yet-to-be-determined bail amount.
Authorities’ Response
The fire has sparked outrage among victims’ families and the public, particularly in light of the revelation that the bar had not been subjected to safety inspections for an extended period. Crans-Montana’s Mayor, Nicolas Feraud, acknowledged the troubling oversight, admitting, “We regret that—we owe it to the families and we will accept the responsibility.” He also announced that sparklers will be banned in local venues to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Community Reaction
A minute’s silence was observed across Switzerland as communities came together to honor the victims. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the New Year festivities, prompting discussions on the need for stricter safety regulations in public entertainment venues.
Context & Previous Events
The couple was placed under criminal investigation shortly after the fire, which has devastated families and raised serious concerns regarding safety compliance in similar establishments. Local authorities have emphasized that annual safety checks are mandatory for venues such as Le Constellation, yet this requirement had not been fulfilled.
