A Swiss court has ordered the pretrial detention of Jacques Moretti, co-owner of a Crans-Montana bar, following a deadly New Year’s Eve fire that killed 40 people and injured over 100. Authorities cited a risk of flight as the main reason for the detention.
The Valais Court of Compulsory Measures said the detention would last an initial three months, following a request by the public prosecutor’s office. The court added that the measure is procedural and does not imply guilt. Moretti, like all suspects, is presumed innocent until a final conviction.
The court noted that detention could be lifted if alternative measures requested by prosecutors are met, such as financial guarantees. Officials said these measures could mitigate the risk of flight, but a detailed review is required before any change is made.
A criminal investigation is ongoing into Jacques Moretti and his wife, Jessica Moretti, who also co-owned the bar Le Constellation. They face charges of negligent homicide, negligent personal injury, and negligent arson. Authorities found that the ski resort bar had not passed an annual safety inspection for the last five years.
Investigators said the fire was likely sparked by sparkling candles attached to champagne bottles. The candles reportedly came too close to the ceiling, igniting the fatal blaze. Following the incident, Crans-Montana authorities have banned all sparkler candles inside venues.
The fire at the bar in Valais Canton, southwestern Switzerland, remains one of the deadliest in recent Swiss history. Officials confirmed that dozens of people were killed, with many more suffering severe injuries. Emergency responders were on the scene immediately after the explosion, but the high number of casualties underscores the tragedy.
The court emphasized that pretrial detention is solely intended to ensure the proper conduct of the investigation. It is not considered a punishment. The case has drawn widespread attention, with authorities focused on examining negligence, safety violations, and whether the owners could have prevented the disaster.
Local leaders, including Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud, have expressed concern over public safety in entertainment venues. The mayor confirmed last week that sparkler candles are now banned inside all bars and venues in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The investigation continues as Swiss authorities collect evidence, review safety regulations, and interview witnesses. The tragic Crans-Montana Bar Fire has left the community mourning and prompted renewed focus on fire safety and building inspections at ski resorts and nightlife establishments across Switzerland.
Jacques Moretti remains in pretrial detention while authorities determine whether alternative measures could be applied. The court said its public statements are limited to official releases and will not respond to additional media questions.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on holding accountable those responsible for safety violations and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
