Swiss court orders Le Constellation owner held as flight risk after deadly fire

A Swiss court on Monday ordered Jacques Moretti, one of the two owners of Le Constellation bar in Crans‑Montana, into pretrial detention for at least three months, a court statement said. He and his wife, Jessica Moretti, are under investigation over whether negligence played a role in the New Year’s fire.

The blaze at the bar during New Year’s celebrations killed 40 people, most of them teenagers. Investigators said they believe the fire was started by sparklers but have not elaborated; videos and witnesses have suggested that pyrotechnics placed on bottles of alcohol ignited the foam‑covered ceiling of the bar’s basement.

The Morettis, both French citizens, were interrogated on Friday in Sion. Under Swiss law the court had 48 hours to decide and approved a prosecutor’s request to detain Mr. Moretti “for an initial period of three months due to the risk of flight,” saying the order could be lifted if other means were found to eliminate that risk and noting he is presumed innocent until a possible conviction becomes final.

Jessica Moretti was released after questioning. The couple’s lawyers said the detention decision would allow Mr. Moretti, “once the conditions are met, to regain his freedom,” and that they would not “evade this legal process, which they will face together.” Lawyers for injured victims said they were “not entirely satisfied” that only Mr.

Key Topics

World, Jacques Moretti, Jessica Moretti, Le Constellation, Crans-montana, Sion