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Bar Co-Owner Detained in Swiss Ski Resort Fire That Killed 40

Authorities say sparklers likely ignited ceiling foam in a venue that had missed years of required safety checks.

Overview

  • Valais prosecutors detained Jacques Moretti after questioning, citing a flight risk as they seek his pre-trial custody; his wife Jessica remains under judicial supervision.
  • The French co-owners are under investigation on suspicion of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm, and involuntarily causing a fire.
  • Investigators say sparkler-topped champagne bottles likely touched soundproofing on a low ceiling, triggering a rapid blaze in the bar’s basement.
  • Officials acknowledged that mandatory inspections had not been conducted since 2019, leading to local bans on indoor sparklers and audits of other public venues.
  • Switzerland held a national tribute attended by foreign leaders as France and Italy opened supporting probes, with many severely burned survivors still in hospital.