Swiss court orders pretrial detention for bar manager over fatal fire

GENEVA — A Swiss court on Monday ordered three months of pretrial detention for a manager of a bar that burst into flames during a New Year’s Eve celebration, killing 40 people — mostly young revellers — and injuring 116 others, many seriously.

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The court of compulsory measures in the southwestern Valais canton, or region, ordered that Jacques Moretti, a manager of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, be held because of a possible “flight risk” highlighted by prosecutors.

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However, the court said in a statement it was inclined to lift the three months of pretrial detention if sufficient “security measures” — potentially including bail — are arranged. It said the manager should remain in custody until the measures are worked out.

The office of Patrick Michod, a lawyer for Moretti, did not respond to emailed requests for comment, and his secretary said the attorney was not immediately available.

A Swiss business register lists French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti as the bar’s owners. Lawyers for Jessica Moretti, in a statement, said the court decision would allow her husband “to regain freedom” once conditions are arranged.

Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the owners, who are suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm and involuntarily causing a fire.

Investigators believe that sparkling candles ignited the fire when they came too close to the ceiling, which was outfitted with soundproofing material. Authorities were looking into whether the material conformed with regulations and whether the candles were permitted for use in the bar. Fire safety inspections hadn’t been carried out since 2019.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin said Friday that Switzerland was “appalled” by the tragedy.