Swiss authorities detain owner of bar where New Year’s fire killed 40

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesJanuary 9, 2026 at 06:52 PM

AI Summary

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Following a New Year's Eve fire at La Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, that killed 40 people, Swiss authorities have detained Jacques Moretti, one of the bar's owners. Prosecutors cited a "risk of flight" as the reason for the pre-trial detention, while his wife and co-manager remains free under judicial supervision. The owners are being investigated on suspicion of crimes including homicide by negligence. The detention coincided with Switzerland's national day of mourning for the victims, which included a minute of silence and a commemoration ceremony in Martigny. The ceremony was attended by approximately 1,000 people, including the presidents of France and Italy, and the Prime Minister of Belgium.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bart De Wever 40% Emmanuel Macron ×250% Sergio Mattarella ×250% Valais 60% Beatrice Pilloud 60% Guy Parmelin 60% Jessica Moretti 70% La Constellation 70% Crans-Montana ×280% Jacques Moretti ×290% Switzerland ×390% New Year’s Eve fire ×295%

Keywords

bar fire 100% switzerland 90% crans-montana 80% criminal investigation 70% negligence 70% pre-trial detention 60% national day of mourning 60% ski resort 50% homicide 50% jacques moretti 40%