Custody Extended for Owner of Swiss Ski Bar After Deadly New Year’s Eve Fire

A Swiss judge has ordered the continued detention of one of the co owners of a ski resort bar where a devastating fire killed 40 people on New Year’s Eve, extending his custody by 90 days as investigations continue. The decision reflects prosecutors’ concerns over the seriousness of the case and the risk that the suspect could leave the country.

The ruling applies to Jacques Moretti, a French national and co owner of Le Constellation bar in the alpine resort of Crans-Montana. Swiss prosecutors have argued that Moretti poses a potential flight risk if released while the investigation is ongoing. His wife, Jessica Moretti, who jointly owned the bar and is also French, is under investigation as well but was not the subject of the custody extension ruling.

Both owners are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence. Authorities say these charges reflect alleged failures in safety management rather than deliberate intent. Prosecutors emphasised that the scale of the tragedy and the number of victims require a thorough and careful inquiry before any decisions on charges or trial proceedings are made.

The fire broke out late on New Year’s Eve during celebrations at Le Constellation, a popular venue in the resort known for attracting young people during the ski season. According to investigators, the blaze spread rapidly through the crowded bar, leaving many patrons with little time to escape. In total, 40 people lost their lives and 116 others were injured, making it one of the deadliest fires in Switzerland in recent decades.

Many of the victims were under the age of 20, a detail that has intensified public outrage and grief. Families across Switzerland and neighbouring countries have been mourning the loss of young lives that were cut short during what was meant to be a night of celebration. Memorials and vigils have been held in Crans-Montana, where residents and visitors alike continue to grapple with the scale of the tragedy.

Investigators believe the fire was sparked by sparklers placed in champagne bottles that were raised too close to the ceiling during festivities. Early findings suggest that flammable materials near the ceiling may have ignited, causing flames to spread quickly across the interior. Officials are examining whether the bar complied with fire safety regulations, including ceiling materials, occupancy limits and emergency exits.

Swiss authorities have stressed that the investigation is still at an early stage. Fire experts, engineers and forensic teams are analysing evidence from the scene, while survivors and staff members are being interviewed. Prosecutors said extending custody was necessary to prevent interference with witnesses and to ensure the suspect remains available for questioning.

The case has prompted renewed debate in Switzerland about safety standards in nightlife venues, particularly in tourist destinations where large crowds gather during peak seasons. Politicians and safety advocates have called for stricter enforcement of fire regulations and clearer rules on the use of pyrotechnics indoors.

For the families of those who died, the legal process offers little immediate comfort. Many have called for accountability and transparency, saying answers are needed to understand how such a disaster could happen in a country known for strict safety standards.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on establishing responsibility and preventing similar tragedies in the future. The extended detention signals that Swiss authorities are treating the case with the utmost seriousness as they work toward a full account of the events that unfolded on that fatal night.