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Bar Owner Released After Paying €215,000 Bail
Jacques Moretti, the owner of Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, has been released on bail after being detained for two weeks following a deadly New Year's Eve fire that killed 40 people. The Swiss court ordered his release after Moretti paid a 200,000 Swiss Franc (approximately €215,000) bail bond. 'My clients have expressed deep regret for this tragedy and will continue to cooperate fully with authorities,' said the Morettis' lawyer in a statement to Reuters.
Strict Conditions for Release
Moretti must report daily to a police station and is prohibited from leaving Switzerland while the investigation continues. His wife Jessica, who co-owns the establishment, was not detained but remains under investigation for the same charges: negligent homicide, negligent bodily injury, and negligent arson. Both underwent ten hours of questioning about safety measures and recent renovations at their bar.
The Deadly New Year's Tragedy
The fire broke out around 1:30 AM on January 1, 2026, during New Year's celebrations at Le Constellation bar in the upscale Crans-Montana ski resort. According to BBC Verify analysis, the blaze likely started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited highly flammable acoustic foam padding on the ceiling. The fire spread rapidly, causing a 'flashover' where hot gases ignited the entire room almost instantaneously.
Safety Failures Under Investigation
Investigators have uncovered multiple safety violations. The soundproofing foam should have been inspected according to Swiss law but wasn't properly checked. The municipality hadn't conducted safety inspections since 2019, despite regulations requiring annual checks for establishments of this size. 'The exit routes were completely inadequate for the number of people present,' noted a fire safety expert interviewed by AP.
Victims and International Impact
The victims were predominantly teenagers and young adults from at least nine countries, making this one of Switzerland's deadliest fires in decades. The tragedy has sparked international attention and raised serious questions about fire safety regulations in Swiss ski resorts. 'Our thoughts remain with the families who lost loved ones in this preventable tragedy,' stated a spokesperson for the Valais cantonal police.
Ongoing Criminal Investigation
The Swiss Public Prosecutor's Office continues its investigation, with the Morettis as the only suspects. Evidence collection includes video footage, witness statements, and forensic analysis of the fire's origin. The case has drawn criticism from victims' representatives who expressed concerns about the owners' release. 'Given the severity of the charges and the flight risk, this decision is concerning,' commented a lawyer representing several victims' families to Yahoo News.
The tragedy at Crans-Montana serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety compliance in entertainment venues, particularly during crowded holiday celebrations. As the investigation progresses, Swiss authorities are reviewing safety regulations for bars and clubs across the country to prevent similar disasters.
