Swiss Bar Owners Arrested After New Year’s Fire Kills 40 in Crans-Montana

Swiss authorities have arrested Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, following a deadly New Year’s Day fire that claimed 40 lives and injured 116 others, most of them teenagers.

Valais chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said Mr Moretti was placed in pre-trial detention due to concerns over a potential risk of flight. His wife, Jessica Moretti, who co-owned the bar, has been placed under house arrest. Both are suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm and involuntarily causing a fire.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of January 1 during a New Year’s Eve celebration. Investigators believe the fire spread rapidly after the bar’s ceiling ignited, leading to one of Switzerland’s deadliest peacetime disasters in recent years.

The couple declined to answer questions from reporters as they arrived for questioning on Friday but have previously expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged to cooperate fully with investigators.

Speaking after the hearing, Mrs Moretti said her thoughts remained with the victims and their families. “I would like to apologise to all those affected and to those who are still struggling today,” she said.

The arrests came as Switzerland observed a national day of mourning for the victims. A memorial ceremony was held in Martigny, attended by victims’ families, firefighters and French President Emmanuel Macron. White roses were carried in tribute, and a minute’s silence was observed.

Meanwhile, Crans-Montana’s mayor, Nicolas Feraud, apologised after it emerged that Le Constellation bar had not been inspected since 2019. He said officials were unaware the safety checks had lapsed and noted that the soundproof foam later linked to the rapid spread of the fire had previously been deemed compliant. Due to the bar’s size, a fire alarm was not required under existing regulations.

Authorities have since closed another bar operated by the Morettis and imposed a ban on sparkler candles in all venues across the resort town as investigations continue.