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Swiss bar owner put in pre-trial detention

MARTIGNY, Switzerland (AP) — Switzerland is holding a national day of mourning for the 40 people who died in an Alpine bar fire during a New Year’s Eve celebration. The memorial on Friday came as prosecutors requested one of the bar’s managers to be placed in pre-trial detention. Valais region’s chief prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, said in a statement the detention of the man was needed to avoid a “risk of flight.” The man’s wife and co-manager will remain free under judicial supervision, the statement said. The fire, which broke out at Le Constellation bar, in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, also injured 116 people. Investigators believe sparkling candles ignited the blaze. A memorial service and a minute’s silence marked Friday’s homage.

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