Swiss authorities have taken a major step in the investigation into the devastating fire that engulfed the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve. Jacques Moretti, the owner of the bar, was remanded in custody on Friday.
Together with his wife, Jessica Moretti, who has been placed under house arrest, he is being investigated in a criminal proceeding on serious charges, including “negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson.” The Moretti couple are suspected of having legal responsibility for the circumstances that led to the fire and the serious consequences it caused.
The decision to detain Jacques Moretti comes after several days of debate and reactions, as several lawyers and legal representatives had expressed surprise at the fact that, despite the magnitude of the tragedy, no custodial measure had been imposed on the owners of the bar so far.
The fire at "Le Constellation" turned into one of the worst tragedies in recent years in Switzerland. The official toll is 40 victims, about half of whom were minors, and 116 people injured with varying degrees of damage.
The tragedy affected citizens from 19 different countries, giving the event an international dimension and shocking public opinion beyond Swiss borders.
Investigations are still ongoing and authorities are analyzing the exact causes of the fire, compliance with security measures at the premises, as well as individual and institutional responsibilities. The owner's detention is seen as a signal that Swiss justice is treating the matter with maximum seriousness, while further developments regarding this serious criminal case are expected in the coming days.