US EditionFormer Crans-Montana Fire Official Remains Silent in Deadly Bar Blaze Probe
Prosecutors say 9 people are under investigation as they examine possible safety lapses after the blaze killed 41 and injured 115, mostly teenagers.
- On Wednesday, a former fire safety official in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana remained silent when questioned by prosecutors investigating a deadly New Year blaze. His lawyer said he will answer questions once he gains access to the case file.
- The blaze at Constellation, a bar in the Alpine resort of Switzerland, broke out on New Year, killing 41 people and injuring 115. Prosecutors believe sparklers ignited sound insulation foam in the basement.
- Nine people are under investigation, including French owners Jacques Moretti and Jessica Moretti. Lawyer Fabien Mingard stated, "My client exercised his right to remain silent as he does not yet have access to the case file."
- Robert Assael, a lawyer representing civil parties in Sion, expressed shock at the silence, stating "The hearing lasted only 15-20 minutes because the defendant refused to cooperate after being informed of the charges."
- Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud faces questioning in the coming days regarding safety checks that had not been conducted at the bar since 2019. Nicola Meier, lawyer for the Morettis, said he was "surprised" by the official's silence.
35 Articles
35 Articles
A police report of the Crans-Montana fire disaster shows: It took only 92 seconds for the small fire on the ceiling to become a deadly inferno. And then there was a locked door.
The cantonal court has received several appeals in the context of the investigation into the drama of Crans-Montana. The request for disqualification of the prosecutors in charge of the case has been rejected, he announces this Thursday. An appeal will be filed with the Federal Court. Other proceedings remain openWithin the criminal investigation into the drama of the Constellation on 1 January 2026 in Crans-Montana, several parallel proceedings…
In addition to the bar operators and municipal officials, cantonal officials could now also come under pressure.
The lawyer of this former head of the Swiss municipality of Crans-Montana, Fabien Mingard, explained that his "client claimed his right to silence because he did not (yet) have access to the file".
Prosecutors believe that the fire started when bottles of champagne to which magic candles were attached were raised too close to the ceiling in the basement of the bar, inflaming the acoustic insulation foam.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
