Swiss bar owner released on bail after deadly New Year’s fire

The owner of a Swiss barthat was engulfed in a deadly New Year’s Day fire was released from detention on Friday on bail, court authorities said.

Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica are under investigation for negligent homicide and other crimes linked to the blaze that killed 40 people and injured more than 100. Many of the survivors are still hospitalised with severe burns.

“Jessica and Jacques Moretti will both continue to comply with all requests from the authorities,” their lawyers said in a written statement after the release order.

“Their thoughts remain constantly with the victims of this tragedy.”

Jacques Moretti was detained on January 9. His bail arrangements include a 200,000 Swiss Franc ($253,485.42) payment and an order to report daily to a police station, the court said.

Prosecutors said they had interviewed the bar owners about safety issues and renovations of Le Constellation bar during two hearings that had each lasted more than 10 hours.

They had also ordered searches, secured evidence and seized assets, they added.