Crans-Montana Bar Owner Detained Over Alleged Domestic Abuse

The owner of a Swiss bar where a New Year’s fire claimed 41 lives has been placed in pre‑trial detention on allegations of violence against his wife, local media reported Sunday. Jacques Moretti, who ran the Le Constellation restaurant in Crans‑Montana, is now held by authorities pending further investigation into the domestic incident.

Moretti and his wife, Jessica, were already under criminal scrutiny for the fatal blaze that erupted on New Year’s Eve 2023. The fire, which engulfed the restaurant’s upper floors, led to a massive emergency response and left the community grappling with questions of safety and accountability. The new detention follows the discovery of evidence suggesting domestic abuse, prompting a separate legal process.

Authorities have not released details on the nature of the alleged violence, but the pre‑trial detention indicates that prosecutors consider the matter serious enough to warrant custody. The case adds a new dimension to the ongoing investigations into the tragedy, as investigators continue to examine both the fire’s cause and the personal circumstances of those involved.