Owner of Swiss ski bar where 40 people died in New Year's Eve fire arrested

The owner of the Swiss ski bar where 40 people died in a New Year's Eve fire has been arrested.

Earlier this year, harrowing footage showed how a blaze ripped through ski resort bar Le Constellation in the Swiss town of Crans-Montana while revellers celebrated New Year's Eve.

A total of 40 people were killed in the fire - including victims as young as 14 - while a further 116 people were attendees were injured, 83 of which suffered from severe burns.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has since taken place, with the town's mayor, Nicolas Feraud, revealing the bar hadn't undergone safety checks for five years before the deadly fire took place.

An update on the case has seen Jacques Moretti, the bar's owner, arrested by Swiss authorities in connection with the incident (as per Sky News).

The Alpine country has been in mourning after the fire (MAXIME SCHMID / AFP via Getty Images)

The arrest comes after authorities said they believed the blaze was started by sparklers attached to champagne bottles and spread quickly along the bar's wooden roof due to the soundproofing material used in the ceiling.

Mayor Feraud previously apologised over the lack of checks performed at the bar, telling reporters: "We are profoundly sorry. We did not have an indication that the checks had not been done."

The municipality added that external inspections of 'all public establishments' would be commissioned.

Meanwhile, Swiss President Guy Parmelin said the incident was 'one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced' in an address to the nation.