Swiss court orders release on bail of bar owner in probe of fatal New Year’s fire

A Swiss court ordered the release on bail Friday of one of the owners of a bar where a devastating New Year’s Day fire killed 40 people and injured more than 100 in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana.

Jacques Moretti, who co-owned Le Constellation bar with his wife Jessica, was released after posting bail of 200,000 Swiss francs (approximately $252,000). The court of compulsory measures in Switzerland’s southwestern Valais region had initially ordered three months of pretrial detention on January 12 but indicated it would consider lifting the detention if appropriate security measures were implemented.

The court imposed several conditions on Moretti’s release, citing concerns about flight risk. These include requirements to remain in Switzerland, surrender all identity documents to prosecutors, and report daily to police.

The deadly blaze, which erupted during New Year’s celebrations in the early hours of January 1, ranks among the most devastating nightlife disasters in recent European history. Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into both Jacques and Jessica Moretti on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire through negligence.

According to investigators, the fire likely began when decorative sparkling candles came too close to soundproofing material on the ceiling. Officials are examining whether this material met safety regulations and if such candles were permitted for use in the establishment. The investigation has also revealed that the bar had not undergone fire safety inspections since 2019, raising questions about regulatory oversight in the popular tourist destination.

In a statement released Friday, lawyers representing the Morettis said the couple would continue to cooperate fully with authorities in the investigation. “Their constant thoughts remain with the victims of this tragedy,” the statement read.

The fire at Le Constellation has prompted broader discussions about nightlife safety standards across Switzerland and Europe. Similar incidents in recent years, including the 2015 Colectiv nightclub fire in Bucharest that killed 64 people, have led to calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in entertainment venues.

The Crans-Montana tragedy occurred during peak tourist season in the Swiss Alps, when the resort town was filled with visitors celebrating the new year. The incident sent shockwaves through Switzerland’s hospitality industry, which has generally maintained high safety standards.

Local authorities have faced criticism for the apparent lapse in regular fire safety inspections at the venue. The Valais canton, known for its ski resorts and tourism infrastructure, is now reportedly reviewing inspection protocols for all public establishments.

The case has drawn national attention in Switzerland, with media coverage focusing on both the human toll of the disaster and questions about potential negligence. Survivors and families of victims have begun organizing, with some indicating they may pursue civil claims once the criminal investigation concludes.

For Crans-Montana, a picturesque resort known for its skiing, luxury accommodations, and vibrant nightlife, the tragedy represents not only a human disaster but also a blow to its reputation as a safe destination for international tourists. Local officials have promised a thorough review of all safety measures in public venues throughout the resort area.

As the investigation continues, prosecutors will need to determine the exact chain of events that led to the fire and whether the bar’s owners failed to implement required safety measures that could have prevented the tragedy or reduced its severity.