Swiss ski resort owner detained after deadly New Year’s Eve fire

A fire broke out in a Swiss bar on New Year’s Eve, killing 40 people, and one of the co-owners has been detained.

Sources told Swiss media that French national Jacques Moretti was a potential flight risk.

A fire broke out at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, injuring 116 people. Many of the victims are under 20 years old.

This week it was revealed that ski resort bars have not had safety inspections in five years.

Jacques Moretti, who co-owns the bar with his French wife Jessica, is the subject of a criminal investigation by Swiss prosecutors.

The Valais cantonal prosecutor’s office said both men were charged with manslaughter, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson.

Prosecutors said they believed the fire started when people celebrating the New Year raised champagne bottles filled with fireworks, igniting soundproofing foam on the ceiling of the basement bar.

Switzerland observed a minute’s silence on Friday as the country mourns the victims of the fire.

Church bells then rang throughout the country for five minutes.

Trains and trams were suspended, and operations at Zurich Airport were temporarily suspended.

In Crans-Montana, local firefighters gave a standing ovation.