Swiss court keeps bar owner in custody after deadly fire, SRF reports

A Swiss court ordered to keep in custody the co-owner of a bar in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana after a fire killed 40 people there on New Year's Day, Swiss broadcaster SRF reported on Monday.

Prosecutors for the Valais canton initially ordered the detention of Jacques Moretti on Friday after a lengthy hearing with him and his wife Jessica, pending a decision on whether it was warranted.

The couple have expressed their grief over the fire and said they would cooperate fully with the investigation.

There was no immediate comment from prosecutors.