A Swiss court has ordered that the co-owner of a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana that caught fire on New Year's Day, killing 40 people, must remain in custody.
The court said in a statement that Jacques Moretti will be held for a provisional period of three months, but this could be reviewed if measures are taken to counter the risk of flight, such as a security deposit.
Prosecutors for the Valais canton initially ordered the detention of Mr Moretti on Friday after a lengthy hearing with him and his wife, Jessica, pending a decision on whether it was warranted.
Mr Moretti's wife, Jessica, said that the court's decision would allow her husband to regain his freedom once the conditions were met.
"This authority has taken into account the unconditional commitment of Jessica Moretti and her husband not to evade the legal proceedings they will be facing together," a statement added.
The couple have expressed their grief over the fire and said they would cooperate fully with the investigation.
The Morettis are under criminal investigation for manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence.
In Switzerland, the presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is pronounced.
Initial findings suggest that the fire was caused by sparklers igniting soundproofing foam installed on the ceiling of the bar's basement.
Questions are also being raised about the presence and accessibility of fire extinguishers, and whether the venue's exits complied with regulations.
