Investigation Opens into Local Officials Over Deadly New Year's Fire in Swiss Ski Resort
Prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into two local officials over the deadly new year's fire that killed 40 people and injured 116 others at a ski resort in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The victims were mostly teenagers, with an average age of 19.
The municipality's head of public safety is set to be questioned by investigators next Friday, while a former council fire safety officer will face questioning on February 9th. Both officials have not been named publicly.
According to documents from the prosecutor's office, both individuals are being held as "defendants" in the case and could face responsibility for safety failings at Le Constellation bar. The bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who face formal charges of negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson, were previously the only suspects under investigation.
The fire is believed to have started after sparklers attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling, catching fire in a soundproofing foam-clad basement party room. Questions have been raised about the presence and accessibility of fire extinguishers in the basement and whether the exits complied with regulations.
There was outrage earlier this month when the town's mayor admitted that council safety officers had not carried out an annual safety check at Le Constellation since 2019. The investigation aims to shed light on the exact circumstances of the fire and determine potential criminal responsibility among owners, staff, and authorities.
Prosecutors have rejected the council's request to become a party to the case, stating that there are reasons to believe the municipality failed in its duty to enforce regulations intended to safeguard customers' lives and physical integrity. The Morettis have expressed their "indescribable grief" and promised to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The fire was one of the worst disasters in modern Swiss history, causing significant damage to the country's reputation.
Prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into two local officials over the deadly new year's fire that killed 40 people and injured 116 others at a ski resort in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The victims were mostly teenagers, with an average age of 19.
The municipality's head of public safety is set to be questioned by investigators next Friday, while a former council fire safety officer will face questioning on February 9th. Both officials have not been named publicly.
According to documents from the prosecutor's office, both individuals are being held as "defendants" in the case and could face responsibility for safety failings at Le Constellation bar. The bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who face formal charges of negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson, were previously the only suspects under investigation.
The fire is believed to have started after sparklers attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling, catching fire in a soundproofing foam-clad basement party room. Questions have been raised about the presence and accessibility of fire extinguishers in the basement and whether the exits complied with regulations.
There was outrage earlier this month when the town's mayor admitted that council safety officers had not carried out an annual safety check at Le Constellation since 2019. The investigation aims to shed light on the exact circumstances of the fire and determine potential criminal responsibility among owners, staff, and authorities.
Prosecutors have rejected the council's request to become a party to the case, stating that there are reasons to believe the municipality failed in its duty to enforce regulations intended to safeguard customers' lives and physical integrity. The Morettis have expressed their "indescribable grief" and promised to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The fire was one of the worst disasters in modern Swiss history, causing significant damage to the country's reputation.
thinking about what happened at that ski resort. I mean, 40 people lost their lives, and 116 were injured... it's just devastating 
. And to think that some officials didn't even do a safety check in years? That's just crazy 
. You'd think they'd be held accountable for not enforcing the rules and keeping everyone safe 
. I'm still trying to wrap my head around how such a tragedy could happen in a place like Switzerland, where safety is supposed to be top priority 
. And those French owners are going through some serious heat 
... I don't know if they'll get off scot-free either. Anyway, it's just sad that this had to happen. 
i cant bliv how som1 got hurt 2 bad @ a party 
! its all so sad n suspicious too... cant help but wonder if ther wuznt enuf fire extnguishers around 
the council's negligence is just mind blowin me 
espically the fact dey didnt check for safety till 2019? like what kinda party prep do u need 2 do that 
... Like how could two people be so reckless and irresponsible with lives? The fact that they didn't even bother conducting a basic safety check since 2019 is just mind-boggling. It's not like it's hard to remember, you know? And now these officials are being dragged through the mud, but I'm like, what about the owners of the bar too? They're basically facing charges for manslaughter and arson? That's some serious negligence right there. The fact that they're trying to deflect blame onto someone else is just weak 
. And now we're left with 40 families mourning the loss of their loved ones 
.
. The Morettis, who are French, were previously just suspects under investigation but have suddenly become defendants? It's like they're being given a free pass due to their nationality 
.
. We need systemic changes in place to ensure that public safety checks are being taken seriously and enforced consistently 
.
. They're being held accountable for their own actions, but still, it's hard to believe that two people could be so reckless with human lives like that 
. It's not just about numbers; it's about lives lost and families torn apart. I mean, 40 people were killed, and now they'll never get to see their loved ones grow up or experience all the amazing things life has to offer 
. It's time for accountability, and it's time for change. We can't let this kind of tragedy happen again in our community or anywhere else 
.
. It's heartbreaking that such a disaster was caused by preventable mistakes 
.
I mean, sparklers in a soundproofing foam-clad basement? It's like they were asking for trouble! And the fact that council safety officers haven't done an annual check since 2019 is just red flag after red flag. 
Like, what kind of laxity are we talking about here?
I mean, I can understand why the owners and staff are feeling guilty, but it's not like they were the only ones who messed up here.
And why do we need to wait for someone to get hurt before we start taking action?
. And what really gets me is that the owners were only suspected, but now they're part of an investigation too 
. I just hope justice is served and those responsible are found guilty 
.
.
. The Morettis, while guilty of negligence, aren't entirely off the hook - the council officials who failed to enforce regulations? That's just unacceptable 
... nothing like a little nostalgia to take my mind off this 
.