Swiss bar co-owner released on bail as investigation into deadly fire continues

Friday, 23 January 2026 19:49

The co-owner of the Swiss bar where 40 people died in a fire has been released on bail.

Jacques Moretti, who ran Le Constellation with his wife Jessica, was arrested on 9 January following the blaze in the early hours of New Year's Day.

A court originally ordered him to be detained for three months, unless suitable "security measures" were agreed, amid fears he was a flight risk.

But on Friday, the court said Moretti could now be released, on the condition that he must stay in Switzerland, surrender his identity documents and report to the police every day. A bail of 200,000 francs (£190,000) was also paid.

His wife was kept under house arrest earlier this month.

The couple are suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and causing a fire by negligence. The criminal investigation continues.

Following Jacques Moretti release, a lawyer representing the couple said they would "both continue to comply with all requests from the authorities".

They added: "Their thoughts remain constantly with the victims of this tragedy."

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More than 100 people were also injured in the fire, and many survivors remain in hospital with severe burns.

Prosecutors said they had interviewed the couple about safety issues and renovations at the bar.

Investigators believe the fire began when sparkling candles ignited the bar's ceiling, which had been fitted with soundproofing material.

Local officials said the venue had not had a fire safety inspection since 2019.

Sky News