Prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into two local officials over the devastating New Year's Eve fire at a Swiss ski resort that killed 40 people. The probe focuses on alleged safety failings and regulatory breaches by both current and former town hall officials.
Documents obtained by Reuters reveal that a municipality official, currently in charge of public safety, has been summoned to appear before prosecutors next Friday, although they have declined to comment for now. A former fire safety officer is also set to be questioned in February.
The investigation aims to determine the extent to which health and safety regulations were flouted at Le Constellation bar, where 116 people were injured, most of them teenagers. The blaze started after sparklers attached to champagne bottles were lit too close to a ceiling adorned with soundproofing foam that caught fire.
Critics have raised concerns over the presence and accessibility of fire extinguishers in the basement as well as compliance with exit regulations. Former town hall officials had been accused of failing to carry out mandatory annual safety checks at Le Constellation since 2019.
Prosecutors believe there is evidence of regulatory breaches by staff members and former councilors, past and present. The investigation seeks to establish potential criminal liability for the owners, staff, and authorities involved.
The Moretti couple, who face charges of negligent manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson, have expressed their "indescribable grief" and promised to cooperate fully with the probe. However, the widening scope of the inquiry raises questions about accountability among local officials.
Documents obtained by Reuters reveal that a municipality official, currently in charge of public safety, has been summoned to appear before prosecutors next Friday, although they have declined to comment for now. A former fire safety officer is also set to be questioned in February.
The investigation aims to determine the extent to which health and safety regulations were flouted at Le Constellation bar, where 116 people were injured, most of them teenagers. The blaze started after sparklers attached to champagne bottles were lit too close to a ceiling adorned with soundproofing foam that caught fire.
Critics have raised concerns over the presence and accessibility of fire extinguishers in the basement as well as compliance with exit regulations. Former town hall officials had been accused of failing to carry out mandatory annual safety checks at Le Constellation since 2019.
Prosecutors believe there is evidence of regulatory breaches by staff members and former councilors, past and present. The investigation seeks to establish potential criminal liability for the owners, staff, and authorities involved.
The Moretti couple, who face charges of negligent manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson, have expressed their "indescribable grief" and promised to cooperate fully with the probe. However, the widening scope of the inquiry raises questions about accountability among local officials.
. safety checks should've been done way more often, like literally annual checks are a thing for a reason... and what's up with having sparklers near flammable stuff? it just seems so avoidable to me 
anyway, i hope the investigation gets to the bottom of this and those responsible get held accountable 
. it's crazy how much accountability matters in situations like this - even if it's not directly related to the victims' families, it's still super important for the community's trust in authorities 
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. I mean, 40 people dead is just...wow. It's crazy that these local officials are under investigation for safety failings and regulatory breaches. I get it, accidents can happen, but the fact that sparklers were even allowed in a crowded bar with soundproofing foam is just irresponsible. 
And now we're hearing that there might be evidence of fire extinguishers not being easily accessible? That's just basic safety protocol right there! 
It's a bit too late now, considering all the lives lost. 
I just hope justice is served and that these kinds of tragedies never happen again. Fingers crossed! 
So I'm thinking... 40 people lose their lives in a fire at a ski resort 
And now we're talking about safety failings and regulatory breaches by town hall officials? It's like, come on! You gotta take responsibility for people's lives 
. I mean, sparklers near soundproofing foam? That's just asking for trouble 
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. We need to make sure that people in charge are taking care of the public, not just lining their own pockets.
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. And all these officials were aware of the risks and didn't do anything about it? It's like they were playing with people's lives 
. If you're in charge, you gotta be responsible 
. This investigation is definitely needed, and I hope the perpetrators get what's coming to them 
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. I hope they get a fair shake in this whole ordeal 
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But seriously, who checks on these sorts of safety measures? I mean, I've been to clubs and festivals before that weren't as safe as they should be. This whole investigation thing is a bit of a mess, but I guess it's good that someone's finally being held accountable... or at least, trying to be 
. It's just crazy that it took this investigation to get to the bottom of things... accountability is key, right? 