Co-owner of Swiss bar where 41 people died arrested on suspicion of assaulting wife

Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Le Constellation venue in Crans-Montana, has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting his wife, Jessica. The tragic fire that shocked Switzerland on New Year’s Eve occurred at the bar.

Swiss media report that the alleged incident took place during the night of August 11-12. Jessica was injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

The case comes as Jacques and Jessica Moretti are already facing Swiss justice over the fire at Le Constellation, the venue they managed in Crans-Montana.

Both spouses are among those being investigated by prosecutors in connection with the circumstances surrounding the deadly fire.

On January 9, Jacques Moretti was remanded in temporary custody after judicial authorities determined that he posed a flight risk. He was released on January 23 after posting bail of 200,000 Swiss francs, but remained subject to restrictive measures.

The fire at Le Constellation broke out during New Year’s celebrations. Based on evidence gathered so far in the investigation, sparks from fireworks placed in bottles are suspected of igniting soundproofing material on the basement ceiling.

Investigators are also seeking to establish whether fire safety requirements were complied with, as well as what responsibility may lie with the owners and others involved.