The proprietor of a Swiss establishment where numerous individuals perished in a devastating fire on New Year’s Eve has been apprehended. Jacques Moretti, the operator of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, where 40 individuals tragically lost their lives in a blaze, has been taken into custody following an order from Swiss authorities. Moretti, aged 49, had been free since the tragic incident eight days ago but has now been deemed a flight risk by Swiss prosecutors in anticipation of potential charges. His spouse, Jessica Moretti, aged 40, is also under official investigation. The couple, both French nationals, is facing accusations of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. They were summoned for interrogation after 40 people, mainly teenagers, perished, and 116 others sustained injuries in the fire. Authorities spent Friday interrogating the couple about the fire at their bar, which is located in the upmarket ski resort of Crans-Montana. The closed-door session took place as Switzerland observed a national day of mourning for the deceased and those severely burned in the tragedy. The Morettis arrived at the prosecutor’s office in Sion, the capital of the Valais canton, escorted by police on Friday and declined to comment as they entered the building early in the morning. The fire, one of the most severe in Swiss history, prompted tributes to the numerous victims. It is suspected that the fire started when candle sparklers were held too near the ceiling, and authorities are investigating whether the ceiling material, designed for sound insulation, complied with regulations. An insider involved in the investigation mentioned, “Mr. Moretti was detained after the hearing, while his wife was allowed to remain free. Mr. Moretti is considered a flight risk and has been detained to prevent him from leaving Switzerland.” The 40 individuals who perished ranged in age from 14 to 39, including Charlotte Niddam, who was educated in Britain. Legal representatives for the fire victims had requested that the couple be placed in pre-trial detention. Sébastien Fanti, an advocate for the hospitalized survivors, described Mr. Moretti as a questionable figure whose actions raise doubts. Experts believe that the sparklers ignited highly flammable acoustic foam, leading to a ‘flashover’ fire – a rapid overall ignition of all materials in a confined space. Families have submitted a legal complaint to Switzerland’s prosecutor’s office, with each family joining as a plaintiff. Police are now investigating renovations carried out in 2015 due to allegations of inadequate safety standards. They will also scrutinize the use of fire extinguishers and fire exits. A report by Switzerland’s Tribune de Genève newspaper revealed that Mr. Moretti claimed the bar had been inspected “three times in 10 years” and that all procedures were conducted within standard protocols. The Morettis operate two other establishments, one in Crans-Montana and another in the nearby Lens area.