After the recent Swiss New Year inferno that claimed the lives of 40 individuals in a ski bar in Crans-Montana, it has been revealed that the foam sound-proofing tiles in the venue had not undergone safety testing for six years.
The local mayor, Nicolas Feraud, acknowledged that safety checks had not been conducted at the Le Constellation bar since 2019. The absence of inspections came to light following an investigation into the tragic incident where the ceiling panels, covered in sound-proofing material, reportedly ignited due to sparklers from champagne bottles.
Authorities are now examining whether the soundproofing material met safety standards and if the use of candles in the bar complied with regulations.
Despite the oversight, Mayor Feraud expressed remorse and pledged accountability, stating that immediate action would have been taken if safety concerns had been flagged earlier.
The tragic incident resulted in the loss of 40 lives, predominantly teenagers, with an additional 116 individuals sustaining severe burns. The victims hailed from various countries including Switzerland, France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Romania, and Turkey.
Regarding his position, Mayor Feraud clarified that he had no intention of resigning, emphasizing the commitment of the local team responsible for overseeing thousands of buildings, including restaurants and hotels, in the area.
In response to the incident, the local council is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, including auditing all establishments in the vicinity and implementing stringent inspection protocols. The mayor emphasized that the determination of accountability rests with the judiciary system.
Subsequent to the fire, the use of sparkler candles has been prohibited inside venues, as confirmed by the mayor. Furthermore, Swiss authorities have initiated a criminal inquiry into the bar operators, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, on charges of involuntary homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire unintentionally.
While no formal charges have been filed against the couple, prosecutors are considering potential charges of arson and manslaughter by negligence pending the establishment of criminal liability.
The authorities have also shut down another establishment managed by the same operators, as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident.
As the investigation continues, Swiss police have identified and reported that a total of 116 individuals were injured in the fire, with the majority still receiving medical treatment.
The injured individuals include citizens from various countries, demonstrating the international impact of the tragic event.
