Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, has been detained after prosecutors questioned him about a New Year’s Eve fire that killed 40 people and injured 116. His wife, Jessica Moretti, remains free under judicial supervision. The couple face charges including manslaughter, bodily harm and negligent arson as Switzerland holds a national day of mourning attended by about 1,400 people.
Swiss Bar Co-Owner Detained After Deadly New Year Blaze as Nation Mourns 40 Victims
Co-owners of Le Constellation bar in in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica Moretti, arrive for a hearing at the office of the public prosecutor of the Canton of Valais, in Sion, Switzerland, Jan. 9, 2026. / Credit: Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP/Getty
Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort, was taken into custody after prosecutors in the Valais canton questioned him about a New Year’s Eve fire that killed 40 people and injured 116, officials said. Authorities say the detention was necessary to prevent a "risk of flight." His wife and co-owner, Jessica Moretti, was released but placed under judicial supervision.
Mouners sign a book of condolence after a memorial ceremony in tribute to victims of the Crans-Montana bar fire, Jan. 9, 2026, in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. / Credit: Harold Cunningham/Getty
Investigation and Charges
Valais chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said the couple were questioned at the public prosecutor’s office in Sion. Prosecutors have charged the Morettis with manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence as the inquiry continues. The blaze, which authorities say claimed mostly teenage victims, remains under active investigation.
(From left) European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever, former Grand Duke of Luxembourg's Henri, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Italy's President Sergio Mattarella observe a minute of silence during a tribute ceremony for the victims of the deadly fire that ripped through the bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, in Martigny, Switzerland, Jan. 9, 2026. / Credit: MICHAEL BUHOLZER/POOL/AFP/Getty
National Day Of Mourning
Eight days after the tragedy, Switzerland observed a national day of mourning. An improvised memorial outside Le Constellation — shielded from falling snow by an igloo-like tarpaulin — held flowers, candles and teddy bears left by mourners. Around 1,400 people gathered at the Crans-Montana congress centre to watch a memorial service streamed from Martigny. When first responders entered, the crowd rose in a prolonged standing ovation.
Mouners gather outside the Le Constellation bar after a memorial ceremony in tribute to victims of the fire that gutted the business during New Year's Eve celebrations, eight days later on Jan. 9, 2026, in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. / Credit: Harold Cunningham/Getty
"I brought 40. One for each of the victims," said Azeddine Mekrabech, who travelled from Lyon to place white roses at the memorial.
Visitors came from across Switzerland and neighboring countries to pay their respects. Many described the scene as heartbreaking and avoidable, and relatives and community members called for clarity and accountability as investigators piece together the cause of the fire.
Human Impact
Authorities report that the average age of those killed was 19. Local and international leaders attended the memorials, and emergency workers — including volunteer firefighters — were publicly thanked for their response amid grief and shock. The investigation will determine the causes and whether safety regulations were followed.
What Happens Next: Prosecutors continue their inquiry into the circumstances of the blaze, and further legal proceedings are expected as evidence is reviewed and charges are developed.
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