A judge in Switzerland has ordered that Jacques Moretti, a co-owner of the ski resort bar where 40 people died in a fire on New Year's Eve, be kept in detention for 90 days.
Swiss prosecutors have cited concerns that Moretti, a French national, could be a flight risk, as he and his wife Jessica are under suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
The fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana not only resulted in the deaths but also left 116 individuals injured, many of whom were aged under 20. It is believed that the fire was ignited when celebrants raised champagne bottles adorned with sparklers too close to the ceiling, setting light to sound insulation.
Last week, authorities revealed that the bar had not undergone any safety checks for the past five years, a revelation that has outraged the victims' families. Venues in Switzerland are required to have annual safety inspections, and local officials have expressed regret over the situation.
Mayor Nicolas Feraud of Crans-Montana stated, We regret that - we owe it to the families and we will accept the responsibility, adding that the use of sparklers would now be prohibited in local venues.
Currently, most of the injured remain hospitalized, with many suffering from severe burns. The judge's ruling for Moretti's detention may be subject to appeal or alteration upon the set of a bail amount.
