Swiss bar owners' properties raided in blaze probe

Authorities say 40 people died in a New Year’s fire at a Crans-Montana bar; investigators have raided properties linked to the owners and seized evidence. The owners were questioned and will appear before a court within 48 hours.

Swiss authorities have carried out raids on properties linked to the owners of a bar where a deadly New Year’s fire occurred. Prosecutors questioned Jacques and Jessica Moretti and seized documents and electronic devices. One owner was detained and the other has been restricted with an electronic tag. The incident has led to a criminal inquiry and public attention. What officials say: - Police searched buildings tied to the couple and confiscated documents, computers and other evidence. - Jacques Moretti was taken into custody; Jessica Moretti was fitted with an electronic tag and ordered not to leave Switzerland. - Prosecutors have said charges under consideration include manslaughter by negligence, causing bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence, and the couple deny civil or criminal wrongdoing. - A Swiss legal source said the owners will appear before a court within the next 48 hours for a review of their custody conditions. Summary: Authorities report that 40 people died in the Crans-Montana bar fire and investigators have targeted the owners' wider property holdings as part of the inquiry. The couple were questioned, evidence was seized and one owner is in custody while the other faces movement restrictions. They are due before a court within 48 hours and the legal process is ongoing.