The owner of a Swiss nightclub where 40 people died in a New Year's fire has been ordered to remain in pre-trial detention for at least three months. Jacques Moretti, 49, appeared before a court in Sion, where judges ruled he posed a serious flight risk. Prosecutors argued the former pimp and serial offender could attempt to flee Switzerland.
The blaze at Le Constellation in Crans Montana broke out in the early hours of January 1, killing 40 and leaving 116 others with severe burns. Investigators have determined that 34 of the victims died on a narrow staircase leading from the basement, which had been reduced in width by a third. The stairwell collapsed under the weight of panicked revellers trying to escape.
Mr Moretti and his wife, Jessica Moretti, 40, face multiple charges including manslaughter by negligence, causing bodily harm negligently, and negligent arson. Mr Moretti admitted he personally reduced the staircase width from three metres to one metre after taking over the venue in 2015. It remains unclear whether the work was approved by planning authorities.
The fire is believed to have started when sparklers used in champagne bottles ignited sound-proofing foam on the basement ceiling. Mr Moretti acknowledged that a ground-floor service door was locked from the inside when the fire began, and he forced it open after arriving at the scene. He said he did not know why the door was locked and denies any wrongdoing.
Mrs Moretti has been released on bail with an electronic monitoring bracelet. She is said to have driven home within minutes of the fire starting, allegedly taking the night's cash takings. The couple, French nationals from Corsica, told investigators they had rented the premises in 2015 and carried out extensive renovations. Mr Moretti admitted there was no sprinkler system, no fire extinguishers, and no fire safety training for staff.
