SION, Switzerland — Swiss prosecutors in the canton of Valais ordered the pretrial detention of Jacques Moretti, a co-owner of the Le Constellation bar, Friday after the Crans-Montana fire during New Year’s celebrations killed 40 people and injured 116 others. Prosecutors said they moved to hold Moretti because they now see a “concrete” risk he could flee as investigators widen their probe into possible safety failures, Jan. 9, 2026.
The detention order followed hours of questioning at the prosecutor’s office in Sion, according to a Reuters report. Reuters said Jessica Moretti, the co-owner and co-manager, left after the hearing under judicial supervision and that Swiss law requires a court to rule within 48 hours whether her husband’s detention is warranted.
Crans-Montana fire: prosecutors cite flight risk amid widening case
Authorities have said the investigation centers on what happened inside the two-level venue shortly after midnight Jan. 1 — and whether preventable hazards helped the blaze spread fast through a crowded basement space. The Associated Press reported that early indications point to sparkling “fountain” candles used on champagne bottles igniting soundproofing or other ceiling materials, though investigators have not released a final cause. Prosecutors are investigating the couple on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligently causing a fire.
Crans-Montana fire investigation expands beyond the spark
Authorities have signaled the Crans-Montana fire investigation will examine potential responsibility beyond the bar’s owners, including how the venue was approved and monitored. In a Jan. 4 update, Valais cantonal police said investigators are reviewing the municipality’s file, renovation work, materials used, escape routes, firefighting equipment and compliance with fire-safety standards. That earlier update also said no coercive measures had been ordered at the time because the criteria for detention were not met.
Oversight has become a central question. In earlier coverage, Reuters reported the resort’s mayor said the bar had not undergone annual safety inspections since 2019 — despite rules requiring them — and that the soundproofing foam on the ceiling was never specifically checked. Reuters also reported the venue’s maximum capacity was 200 people, with emergency exits intended to serve 100 people on each level, and that investigators are examining whether the downstairs exit was usable the night of the fire.
Switzerland marked a national day of mourning Friday, with church bells and ceremonies for those lost in the Crans-Montana fire. France 24 reported that Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the country “devastated” as families gathered for an official ceremony in Martigny. The grief and uncertainty began immediately: a Jan. 1 Reuters dispatch described scenes of panic and noted officials warned identifications would take time because many victims were badly burned. By Jan. 4, all 40 people who died had been identified, including dozens of teenagers, according to a Jan. 4 Reuters report.
Prosecutors have not said how long the case will take, but officials have indicated the investigation will continue as they assess whether additional people or institutions bear responsibility for the Crans-Montana fire.
