Families of those killed in a devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a ski resort bar in Switzerland say they are stunned to learn the venue had not been inspected for safety in five years.
Lawyer Romain Jordan, who represents several bereaved families, said the scale of failures uncovered so far raises serious concerns about whether local authorities should themselves be investigated. Other legal representatives echoed calls for officials to accept responsibility for the tragedy at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, where 40 people lost their lives and 116 others were injured.
Prosecutors believe the blaze began when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproofing foam on the ceiling. Two bar managers, a French couple identified as Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under criminal investigation on suspicion of negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson. They have not been detained.
In their first public response since the fire, the couple said they were devastated by the loss of life and promised full cooperation with investigators.
Local regulations require venues like Le Constellation to undergo annual safety inspections. However, Crans-Montana’s mayor, Nicolas Feraud, admitted he could not explain why no checks had been carried out for such a long period. He said the municipality regretted the failure, acknowledged its responsibility, and announced that sparklers would now be banned in local bars and clubs.
Many of the victims were young people, including eight children under the age of 16. Dozens of those injured suffered severe burns and are receiving treatment in hospitals across Switzerland and other European countries.
Funeral services have begun for some of the victims, including 16-year-old Riccardo Minghetti, whose funeral took place on Wednesday.
Under Switzerland’s system of government, safety rules are set at the cantonal level but must be enforced by local authorities. The case has reignited debate over how effectively those responsibilities are being carried out.
