Families of the victims of a fire at a Swiss bar on New Year's Eve have expressed shock after officials admitted the venue had not undergone safety checks for five years.
Romain Jordan, who represents some of the families, suggested the staggering number of breaches and shortcomings in the inspections raises the question of whether the municipality should be investigated with greater urgency. Other lawyers have echoed calls for the authorities to take responsibility for the disaster, which occurred at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, resulting in 40 deaths and 116 injuries.
Prosecutors suspect the fire was ignited by champagne bottles with sparklers setting fire to sound-insulating foam on the ceiling. The two bar managers have been placed under criminal investigation but remain at liberty. Jacques and Jessica Moretti are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Following the tragedy, they expressed devastation and pledge complete cooperation with the investigation.
Annual safety inspections were required for venues like Le Constellation. However, Mayor Nicolas Feraud stated he could not explain the oversight in inspection scheduling. We regret that - we owe it to the families and will accept the responsibility, he commented, announcing a ban on the use of sparklers in local establishments.
Most of the victims were young, with eight being under the age of 16. Many of the injured sustain severe burns and are receiving treatment both in Switzerland and across Europe as funerals begin for the deceased.
The situation highlights a critical failure in safety regulations, with local authorities urged to ensure rigorous enforcement to prevent such tragedies in the future.
