Swiss Bar Fire: Teenager’s Death Raises Toll to 41
The devastating aftermath of the New Year’s Eve bar fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has deepened with the tragic news of an 18-year-old Swiss national succumbing to their injuries. This brings the total death toll to 41, as announced by the Wallis canton’s public prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, on January 31st.
“An 18-year-old Swiss national died at a hospital in Zurich on January 31,” Pilloud stated, adding that no further details would be released at this time. The fire, which erupted at Le Constellation bar – a popular venue for younger patrons in the ski resort town where the legal drinking age is 16 – also left 116 individuals injured.
A Young Victim Count
The tragedy disproportionately affected young people. Eight of the deceased were under the age of 16, and many remain hospitalized with severe burns. As of Monday, Switzerland’s Federal Office for Civil Protection reported that 44 patients are receiving treatment abroad, including 18 in France, 12 in Italy, 8 in Germany, and 6 in Belgium. Additionally, 37 patients are still being cared for in Swiss hospitals, according to the Wallis health ministry.
Investigation Reveals Potential Cause & Negligence
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated from sparklers attached to champagne bottles, igniting soundproof foam lining the bar’s basement ceiling. This revelation has brought scrutiny to the venue’s safety record, with authorities acknowledging that Le Constellation hadn’t undergone safety inspections in five years.
Legal Ramifications
The owners of the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face serious accusations, including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Criminal proceedings have also been initiated against the municipality’s head of public safety and a former council fire safety inspector.
Jessica Moretti has been placed under a travel ban, requiring her to surrender her passport and report to police daily. She previously expressed her sorrow regarding the “unthinkable tragedy.” Jacques Moretti remains in custody for an initial 90-day period.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety regulations and regular inspections in public venues. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
Source: BBC News
