A judge in Switzerland has ordered that one of the two co-owners of the ski resort bar where 40 people died in a fire on New Year's Eve be kept in detention for 90 days.
Swiss prosecutors have argued that Jacques Moretti, a French national, is a potential flight risk. He and his wife Jessica, who is also French, are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
The blaze at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana also left 116 people injured. Many of the victims were aged under 20.
The fire is believed to have been started by sparklers in champagne bottles raised too close to the ceiling during celebrations.
Authorities acknowledged last week that the bar in the popular ski resort had not undergone safety checks for five years.
Jacques Moretti was first detained on Friday for an initial period of 48 hours. On Monday, a judge ruled that he should be kept in custody for three months, which can be renewed under Swiss law.
Moretti's wife, Jessica, who is under house arrest, expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, stating that they were cooperating with the investigation.
The court indicated that the measure may be lifted upon payment of bail, which will be determined later. The couple was placed under criminal investigation just days after the fire.
The incident has raised serious concerns regarding safety regulations, prompting local officials to ban sparklers in local venues.
As of now, victims' families and communities continue to mourn, with a significant number of the injured still receiving treatment in hospitals across Switzerland and beyond. Local authorities are facing intense scrutiny over the lack of safety oversight at the bar.
