Swiss ski bar fire in Crans‑Montana draws national mourning as owner detained

A New Year's Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans‑Montana killed 40 young people, and prosecutors have remanded co‑owner Jacques Moretti in custody while investigating possible negligence.

A deadly fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans‑Montana on New Year's Eve has prompted national mourning and ongoing investigations. Memorials and a day of mourning were held across Switzerland as relatives, survivors and officials gathered. Swiss prosecutors have said co‑owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti are under investigation for alleged negligence; Jacques Moretti has been remanded in custody. Local authorities have acknowledged they did not carry out mandatory safety checks of the bar for five years. Key facts: - The fire at Le Constellation on New Year's Eve killed 40 young people, according to reports. - Swiss prosecutors have opened an investigation into the owners for suspected manslaughter and related offences; Jacques Moretti was remanded in custody and his wife Jessica has been questioned. - Local authorities said they had not performed mandatory safety inspections of the venue for five years. - Families, survivors and officials from other countries attended memorials, and some seriously injured people remain in specialist care. Summary: The fire has had a wide impact, prompting national mourning, large memorial gatherings and international attention. Legal and investigative steps are under way, including prosecutions and inquiries by Swiss authorities and separate probes by other countries; further prosecutorial and judicial decisions are pending. Undetermined at this time.