Co-owner of Swiss ski bar detained after New Year’s Eve fire kills 40

Swiss authorities have detained one of the co-owners of a ski resort bar following a deadly fire that killed 40 people and injured more than a hundred during New Year’s Eve celebrations, as investigators continue to examine possible negligence linked to the tragedy.

Prosecutors confirmed that Jacques Moretti, a French national and co-owner of the Le Constellation bar in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, has been placed in custody. Authorities said the decision was taken because he was considered a potential flight risk. His wife and business partner, Jessica Moretti, who is also French, has not been detained but is likewise under investigation.

Both co-owners are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence, according to statements from the public prosecutor’s office. The investigation is focused on whether safety rules were breached during the packed New Year’s Eve event, which drew a large crowd to the popular après-ski venue.

The fire broke out shortly before midnight as revellers celebrated the arrival of the new year. Investigators believe the blaze may have been triggered by sparklers placed in champagne bottles and raised too close to the ceiling. Witnesses described flames spreading rapidly across decorative materials before thick smoke filled the venue, leaving many people trapped inside.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the confined space and the speed at which the fire developed made rescue efforts extremely difficult. Forty people died, while 116 others were injured, some with severe burns and smoke inhalation. Hospitals across the region were placed on emergency footing to treat the wounded.

Authorities said many of the victims were under the age of 20, intensifying public outrage and grief across Switzerland and neighbouring countries. Families of those affected have called for a full and transparent investigation, demanding accountability for what they describe as a preventable disaster.

The fire occurred in Crans-Montana, a destination known for its nightlife as well as its ski slopes. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the resort and prompted renewed scrutiny of safety practices in entertainment venues, particularly during high-risk celebrations involving fireworks or pyrotechnics.

Swiss officials said forensic teams are examining the bar’s layout, ceiling materials, fire suppression systems and emergency exits. Investigators are also reviewing whether capacity limits were exceeded and whether staff were adequately trained to respond to emergencies.

The case is being handled under Swiss law, even though the suspects are French nationals. Prosecutors said cross-border cooperation is in place, but stressed that legal proceedings will be conducted domestically. Moretti’s detention allows investigators to question him further and prevent potential interference with the inquiry.

Public reaction has been swift, with questions raised about how such a tragedy could occur in a country known for strict safety standards. Lawmakers have called for reviews of regulations governing nightlife venues, particularly in tourist areas that host large crowds during holiday periods.

Local authorities have ordered inspections of similar establishments across the canton to ensure compliance with fire safety rules. Some venues have temporarily suspended the use of sparklers and indoor fireworks pending further guidance.

As mourning continues, memorials have appeared in Crans-Montana, with residents and visitors laying flowers and lighting candles in remembrance of the victims. Officials said psychological support is being offered to survivors, families and emergency responders affected by the disaster.

The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors warning it could take months before full conclusions are reached. For now, the detention of a co-owner marks a significant step in efforts to determine responsibility for one of the deadliest fires in Switzerland’s recent history.