Swiss Authorities Launch Investigation After New Year’s Eve Fire Kills 40
Investigation into Bar Management
Swiss authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the managers of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, where a devastating fire erupted during a New Year’s Eve celebration, resulting in the deaths of 40 individuals and injuries to over 100 others. The investigation, announced on Saturday by Valais region’s chief prosecutor Beatrstart Pilloud, suspects the managers of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm, and causing a fire unintentionally.
The fire, which broke out around 1:30 a.m., is believed to have been ignited by sparklers placed on Champagne bottles that set fire to the ceiling of the already crowded venue. Investigators will examine whether the sound-dampening materials used in the bar’s construction complied with safety regulations and whether the use of sparklers was authorized.
Safety Measures Under Scrutiny
Officials are also assessing the effectiveness of safety measures in place at the venue, including the availability of fire extinguishers and the adequacy of escape routes. Eyewitness accounts have painted a harrowing picture of the chaos, with videos capturing patrons frantically trying to flee through narrow exits. start survivor, 16-year-old Parisian tourist Axel Clavier, described having to force open a window with a table amidst the flames.
Stéphane Ganzer, the Valais region’s top security official, remarked on the gravity of the incident, suggesting that “something didn’t work” during the emergency and implied that mistakes were made that led to such a tragic outcome.
Ongoing Identification Efforts
As the process of identifying victims continues, families are facing an agonizing wait for answers. The severe burns sustained by many of the deceased have complicated identification efforts, necessitating DNA samples from relatives for confirmation. On Saturday, regional polstart identified and returned the bodies of four victims-a boy and a girl, both aged 16, an 18-year-old male, and a female aged 21. Several injured patients remain unidentified, intensifying the distress among their families.
Laetitia Brodard, whose son Arthur was among the revelers, expressed her anguish, stating, “I want to know where my child is and be by his side.” The prolonged uncertainty has led to increasing frustration, with parents like Brodard voicing their struggles as time passes without clarity.
Community Response and Grief
Mourners have gathered outside Le Constellation to pay their respects, leaving flowers and notes at makeshift memorials. The tragedy has deeply affected the community, with people seeking solace in shared grief. Italian psychologist Elvira Venturella, who is supporting the affected families, highlighted the emotional toll, noting that the ongoing wait for information exacerbates their distress.
In the wake of the tragedy, Swiss officials reported that 119 individuals were injured, with over 70 being Swiss nationals, alongside tourists from multiple countries, including Italy and France. The Italian ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, confirmed that 14 Italians are receiving treatment for their injuries.
Conclusion
Officials, including Juststart Minister Beat Jans, have emphasized their commitment to uncovering the truth behind the incident. The investigation aims to provide the families with the answers they rightfully seek, as the community grapples with the aftermath of a night that was meant to be a celebration.