Swiss prosecutors detain Le Constellation owner after deadly New Year’s fire
Prosecutors detained bar owner Jacques Moretti amid investigation of a Crans-Montana New Year’s fire that killed 40, injured 116, and likely began with sparklers indoors.
Overview
Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation, was placed in pre-trial detention Friday in Sion; his wife and co-manager Jessica Moretti remains free under judicial supervision.
A blaze tore through the bar's basement early Jan. 1, killing 40 people—many teenagers—and injuring 116; many victims sustained severe burns and remain hospitalized.
Investigators say sparklers attached to champagne bottles likely ignited sound-insulating foam; prosecutors are examining renovations, safety systems, capacity and possible negligence leading to manslaughter charges.
Local officials revealed the bar lacked a safety inspection since 2019, prompting public anger and wider safety checks across Crans-Montana and calls for accountability.
Switzerland observed a national day of mourning; international leaders attended memorials. Prosecutors cite flight risk for detention and must seek court approval within 48 hours.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the blaze as an avoidable tragedy tied to negligence, editorially prioritizing inspection lapses, criminal charges and memorial coverage to urge accountability. They present officials' harsh characterizations (e.g., "culture of reckless risk-taking") and victims' stories as source content, using selective emphasis and ordering to stress systemic failure.
Sources (9)
FAQ
Jacques and Jessica Moretti are under criminal investigation on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence in connection with the Le Constellation bar fire that killed 40 people and injured 116.
Swiss prosecutors ordered Jacques Moretti held in pre-trial detention because they consider him a flight risk, while his wife Jessica was allowed to remain free under judicial supervision during the ongoing investigation.
Investigators believe the fire started when sparkling candles or sparklers placed on champagne bottles came too close to the ceiling and ignited soundproofing or sound-insulating material, rapidly spreading flames through the bar.
Public anger has grown because authorities revealed that fire safety inspections at Le Constellation had not been carried out since 2019, raising questions about regulatory oversight and whether earlier checks could have prevented or limited the disaster.
Switzerland held a national day of mourning, including moments of silence and memorials for the mostly teenage victims, while foreign leaders and officials from countries that lost citizens, such as Italy and France, have pledged support and opened parallel legal inquiries to assist victims’ families.
History
3 sources