A court in Switzerland has determined that one of the co-owners of the ski bar where a fire killed 40 people on New Year’s Eve will be detained for 90 days.
Swiss prosecutors allege that Jacques Moretti, a French citizen, poses a flight risk. He and his wife Jessica, also French, face charges of negligent homicide, negligent causing of bodily harm, and negligent property damage.
The fire broke out at the “Le Constellation” restaurant located in Crans-Montana and resulted in injuries to 116 people. Many of the victims were under 20 years old.
It is believed that the fire was caused by sparklers on celebratory platters that were raised toward the ceiling during the festivities.
Authorities testified that the restaurant, located in a famous ski resort town, had not undergone safety inspections for five consecutive years.
Jacques Moretti was first arrested last Monday for an initial period of 48 hours.
On the second day of the month, a court known as the “Court of Compulsory Measures” ruled that his detention must continue for three months—a duration that may be extended under Swiss law.
This period is known as pretrial detention or provisional arrest, indicating that it lasts until the case reaches the court.
In this instance, the court indicated that the decision could be overturned once a bail amount, to be determined later, is paid.
The couple was placed under criminal investigation a few days after the catastrophic damage caused by the fire.
His wife Jessica, who is under house arrest, recently told citizens that she expresses her regret for the “unimaginable and irreparable loss.”
Authorities reported that the fire started when people raised the glowing celebratory platters, igniting the soundproofing material installed on the restaurant’s basement ceiling.
The definitive news that the restaurant had not undergone safety inspections for five years sparked grief among the victims’ families.
Establishments like “Le Constellation” are supposed to be inspected annually, but Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud could not explain why they had not been conducted for such a long time at this restaurant.
“We wish this never happened—we must promise the families that, and we will accept responsibility,” he said.
He added that regional restrictions will be imposed on the use of pyrotechnics in all residential venues.
Most of the fire victims were young—eight of them were under the age of 16.
Many of the injured suffered severe burns. Eighty remain in hospitals across Switzerland and other European countries.
United News Network – UNN Arabic
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