The French owner of the Swiss bar where 40 people died in a fire during new year celebrations has told investigators a service door had been locked from the inside. Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Constellation bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, was taken into custody on Friday, as prosecutors investigated the tragedy. Moretti told the Valais public prosecutor’s office that he had found out about the locked door just after the deadly fire. Moretti told investigators he had carried out tests and the candles were not powerful enough to ignite the acoustic foam. The couple is suspected of “negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson”.

Source: The Guardian January 10, 2026 21:00 UTC