The proprietor of a Swiss establishment where a significant number of 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 tragic incident eight days ago. However, Swiss prosecutors have now deemed him ‘a potential flight risk’ ahead of a potential trial on multiple charges. His spouse, Jessica Moretti, aged 40, is also under official investigation. The couple, who are of French descent, are facing accusations of manslaughter through negligence, injury through negligence, and arson through negligence after the loss of 40 lives, primarily teenagers, and injuries to 116 individuals in the fire.
The couple was interrogated by prosecutors on Friday concerning the fire at their establishment, Le Constellation, in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana on January 1st. The closed-door session occurred while 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 Valais canton, escorted by police on Friday morning. They opted not to provide any comments as they entered the building before 8 a.m. The fire, one of Switzerland’s most severe, elicited tributes for the numerous victims. It is believed that the fire was triggered by the proximity of candle sparklers to the ceiling, and authorities are investigating whether the ceiling material, designed for sound insulation, met regulatory standards.
A source involved in the inquiry stated, “Mr. Moretti was detained at the conclusion of the interrogation, while his wife was allowed to remain free. Mr. Moretti is considered a flight risk and has been placed in custody to prevent departure from Switzerland.” The deceased, aged 14 to 39, included Charlotte Niddam, who had received education in Britain. Legal representatives for the fire victims urged for the French couple’s pre-trial detention.
Sébastien Fanti, legal counsel for the hospitalized victims, referred to Mr. Moretti as a questionable individual with dubious practices before the hearing. Experts believe that the sparklers ignited highly flammable acoustic foam, leading to a ‘flashover’ fire – a sudden ignition of all materials in an enclosed space.
Families have filed legal complaints with Switzerland’s prosecutor’s office. Attorney Romain Jordan from Geneva mentioned, “Each family lodged a complaint and joined the legal process as plaintiffs. These applications have been accepted.” Authorities are now examining renovations carried out in 2015 amid claims of inadequate safety measures. They will also investigate the accessibility and use of fire extinguishers and exits.
According to Switzerland’s Tribune de Genève newspaper, Mr. Moretti claimed that the bar had undergone inspections “three times in 10 years” and that all actions were in compliance with standards. The Morettis operate two other establishments, one in Crans-Montana and another in the nearby Lens area.