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Crans-Montana Bar Owner Detained as Switzerland Honors Fire Victims

Prosecutors say pretrial detention is warranted because of a concrete risk of flight.

Overview

  • Jacques Moretti was taken into pretrial detention after a six-hour hearing in Sion, while co-owner Jessica Moretti was questioned and released.
  • Investigators say preliminary evidence points to sparkler-style candles igniting acoustic foam in the basement, triggering a rapid, generalized blaze.
  • Authorities are scrutinizing 2015 renovation records, materials used, escape routes, firefighting equipment, venue capacity and a confirmed lack of safety inspections since 2019.
  • Switzerland held a national day of mourning with a ceremony in Martigny attended by Emmanuel Macron and Sergio Mattarella, a nationwide minute of silence and church bells.
  • Jessica Moretti publicly apologized after her hearing; the disaster left 40 dead and 116 injured, about half of the fatalities were minors and patients remain hospitalized across Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany and Belgium.