The operator of a Swiss nightclub where 40 individuals perished in a New Year’s fire will be held in custody for the next three months following a court decision. Jacques Moretti, aged 49, was in court in Sion today, where it was ruled that he will remain in detention until March, with prosecutors citing concerns about him fleeing.
The decision comes after distressing new revelations about the fire at Le Constellation in Crans Montana on January 1. Besides the 40 fatalities, 116 people sustained severe burns. Moretti and his wife and business partner, Jessica Moretti, aged 40, face several charges, including manslaughter by negligence and negligent arson.
Moretti, described in court as a former pimp and repeat offender, was apprehended on Friday amid fears he might try to escape Switzerland. Investigators found that 34 victims perished on a narrow staircase, which had been narrowed by Moretti. The fire reportedly started from sparklers in champagne bottles igniting foam on the basement ceiling, leading to chaos as people attempted to flee through the congested stairwell.
The staircase alteration, reducing it from three meters to one meter, is believed to have played a crucial role in the tragedy according to sources. Moretti admitted to the renovation but did not discuss it during questioning, mentioning that a locked ground-floor door was opened by him upon arrival at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing, with details emerging about safety deficiencies at the nightclub, including the absence of sprinklers and fire extinguishers, and lack of fire safety training for staff. Moretti has a history of convictions and prison sentences, while his wife has no criminal record. Mrs. Moretti, who allegedly left with the night’s earnings after the fire began, has been released on bail with electronic monitoring.
The French couple, who rented the premises in 2015, claim to have renovated extensively without further requests from fire services in the past decade. The tragic incident continues to be investigated for further details and accountability.
