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, stated that the number of inspection breaches raises urgent questions about the municipality's accountability. The fire, which took place at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, claimed the lives of 40 people and injured 116 others. Prosecutors believe the blaze ignited when champagne bottles with sparklers caught ignited sound-insulating foam on the ceiling.
The bar's managers, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under criminal investigation for suspected manslaughter and negligence but remain free. In their first statement since the tragedy, they expressed devastation and commitment to fully cooperate with the investigation.
Mayor Nicolas Feraud acknowledged that such venues should be inspected annually and accepted responsibility for the oversight, pledging to ban sparklers in local venues. The tragedy has left a deep impact on the community, with many of the victims being young, including eight under the age of 16, and funerals for the deceased have already begun.
The bar's managers, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under criminal investigation for suspected manslaughter and negligence but remain free. In their first statement since the tragedy, they expressed devastation and commitment to fully cooperate with the investigation.
Mayor Nicolas Feraud acknowledged that such venues should be inspected annually and accepted responsibility for the oversight, pledging to ban sparklers in local venues. The tragedy has left a deep impact on the community, with many of the victims being young, including eight under the age of 16, and funerals for the deceased have already begun.
