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 lost their lives in a tragic blaze, has been detained following an order from Swiss authorities.
Moretti, aged 49, had been free since the dreadful incident eight days ago. However, Swiss prosecutors have now deemed him ‘a flight risk’ pending a potential trial on multiple charges.
His spouse Jessica Moretti, aged 40, is also under official scrutiny. The couple, who are French nationals, are confronting accusations of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. They have been summoned for interrogation after the fire claimed the lives of 40 people, predominantly teenagers, and left 116 others injured.
Prosecutors spent Friday interrogating the couple regarding the fire at their bar, Le Constellation, situated in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana on January 1st.
The closed-door session took place 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 canton of Valais, escorted by police on Friday. They declined to provide any comments as they entered the premises just before 8 am.
The fire, one of Switzerland’s most catastrophic incidents, led to tributes being paid to the numerous victims. It is suspected that the fire was ignited by candle sparklers being held too close to the ceiling, and authorities are investigating whether the ceiling material, designed for sound insulation, complied with regulations.
A source involved in the investigation stated, “Mr. Moretti was remanded in custody after the hearing, while his wife was allowed to remain at liberty. Mr. Moretti is considered a flight risk and has been confined to prevent him from leaving Switzerland.”
The victims, aged between 14 and 39, included individuals like Charlotte Niddam, who was educated in Britain. Legal representatives for the fire victims had urged for the couple to be placed in pre-trial detention.
Sébastien Fanti, the lawyer representing the hospitalized wounded, commented on Mr. Moretti before the recent hearing, stating, “He’s a dubious individual whose actions raise suspicion.”
Experts believe that the sparklers ignited highly flammable acoustic foam, triggering a ‘flashover’ fire – an instantaneous combustion of all materials in a confined space.
Families have filed a legal complaint with Switzerland’s prosecutor’s office. Romain Jordan, a lawyer based in Geneva, mentioned, “Each family has filed a complaint and joined the legal proceedings. These applications have been accepted.”
Authorities are currently examining renovation work conducted in 2015 amid allegations of inadequate safety standards. Investigations will also focus on the adequacy of fire extinguishers and the functionality of fire 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 operations were conducted in compliance with standards. The Morettis operate two other establishments, one in Crans-Montana and another in the nearby town of Lens.