Crans-Montana Fire Investigation Widens to Include Safety Inspectors
Crans-Montana, Switzerland – A New Year’s Day fire at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, resulted in 40 fatalities, including six young Italians, and injured 116 others. The investigation has expanded beyond the bar’s owners,Jacques and Jessica Moretti,to include scrutiny of municipal safety officers,raising questions about potential negligence in fire safety inspections.
who was involved? The initial focus was on the Morettis, owners of the Constellation bar.However, the investigation now includes Christophe Balet, the current municipal safety officer, and his predecessor, Ken Jacquemoud.Mickael Guerra, an attorney representing victims’ families, requested Jacquemoud’s testimony, citing his prior role and potential knowlege of past inspections. Italian officials, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Lombardy Governor Attilio Fontana, are also heavily involved, advocating for justice and potential participation in legal proceedings.
What happened? The fire erupted during a New Year’s Eve celebration at the Constellation bar.Investigators discovered the bar hadn’t undergone a safety inspection in five years,despite legal requirements. A video from December 31, 2019, surfaced showing champagne bottles with pyrotechnic candles near a flammable foam-covered ceiling, foreshadowing the disaster. The fire quickly engulfed the bar, trapping patrons and leading to a high number of casualties.
How did the investigation unfold? Christophe Balet provided urban planning and administrative documentation on january 3rd. Prosecutors identified administrative deficiencies and are investigating potential lapses in inspections. Mayor Christophe Féraud admitted to not knowing why inspections hadn’t occurred. Investigators interviewed a woman who filmed the 2019 video, revealing the dangerous use of pyrotechnics. Italian officials have expressed concerns over the pace of the investigation and the relatively low bail granted to those initially deemed responsible.
How did it end? As of today, February 1st, the investigation is ongoing. Balet and Jacquemoud are scheduled for questioning, potentially on February 6th. Italian officials are considering options for greater involvement in the legal process,including a joint investigation or changing the presiding judge. Eleonora Palmieri, an Italian survivor, is receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the fire. While no formal charges have been filed against the safety inspectors, the investigation signals a broadening scope of responsibility for the tragedy.
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