Swiss authorities have ordered the detention of Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the bar Le Konstelasion in Crans-Montana, where 40 people were killed and 116 injured on New Year’s Eve.
The public prosecutor cited the risk of flight as the reason for ordering the co-owner’s detention, according to the website 24heures.
French BFM TV reported that custody was also ordered for the manager of the Konstelasion bar in Crans-Montana.
The bar owners in Crans-Montana, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, appeared today for the first time before an investigative judge in Sion as suspects in the fire that on January 1 claimed the lives of 40 people, including 21 minors under the age of 18. They gave statements at the office of the Cantonal Justice Ministry of Valais, accompanied by three lawyers.
According to investigation sources, the suspects are charged with involuntary manslaughter, causing a fire, and bodily injuries caused by negligence.
Public dissatisfaction has grown in recent days because the Moretti couple remained free. The Morettis did not give statements to journalists upon arrival at the Sion prosecutor’s office, and the hearing took place on a day that Switzerland declared a national day of mourning.
The couple previously expressed condolences to the families of the victims and stated they would fully cooperate with the investigation.
According to prosecutors and witnesses, the fire most likely started when sparklers ignited the foam soundproofing on the ceiling of the basement where the bar was located.
More than half of the victims were teenagers. Among the deceased were citizens of Switzerland, France, and Italy, as well as individuals with dual citizenship.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for severe penalties for those responsible and announced the possibility of banning the use of sparklers in indoor spaces in Italy. She emphasized that the government would assist the families of Italian victims in seeking justice.
Local authorities acknowledged that the venue had previously failed multiple safety inspections.
In Crans-Montana, citizens left flowers, messages, and toys in memory of the victims, and some shops were temporarily closed. The commemoration in nearby Martinique is being attended by the presidents of France and Italy.
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Source: N1, Foto: AP/ Jean-Christophe Bott