A Swiss judge ordered one of the Le Constellation bar co-owners in Crans-Montana detained for 90 days following the New Year’s Eve fire that killed 40 people. Prosecutors deem French national Jacques Moretti a flight risk. He and wife Jessica face charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
The blaze injured 116 others, many under 20, with 80 still hospitalised across Switzerland and Europe.
Fire cause and safety lapses
Sparklers on champagne bottles raised near the ceiling during celebrations ignited sound-insulating foam, investigators believe. The popular ski resort bar lacked safety inspections for five years, despite annual requirements.
Moretti’s initial 48-hour detention began Friday; Monday’s coercive measures court ruling allows bail later, with renewal possible until trial.
Owner reactions and bans
Jessica Moretti, under house arrest, expressed sorrow for the “unthinkable tragedy” on Friday. Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud admitted inspection failures, pledging responsibility and banning sparklers in local venues.
Most victims were young, including eight under 16 suffering severe burns.
Source: BBC
Also read: Bar in Crans-Montana skipped checks for 5 years
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