Cran Montana Bar Owner Released on Bail

Jacques Moret, co-owner of a bar in Cran Montana, has been released after paying bail exceeding 200,000 euros. Moret and his wife are accused of manslaughter by negligence, causing bodily harm, and arson, in connection with the New Year's tragedy that killed 40 people.

The court of the canton of Valais imposed restrictive measures on Moret, including a ban on leaving Switzerland and the obligation to report to a police station daily. His wife, Jessica, was not detained.

The fire at the bar Le Constellation was caused by sparks from indoor fireworks, which ignited the soundproofing foam on the ceiling. The community of Cran Montana admitted that it had not carried out safety checks on the building since 2019.

The investigation into the circumstances of the fire is ongoing.