Tragedy at Crans-Montana: Community Reacts to Bar Fire
Two weeks have passed since a devastating fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, and the local community continues to grapple with the aftermath. This tragic incident occurred on New Year’s Eve, leading to significant loss and injury. In response, the Swiss canton of Valais has imposed a ban on pyrotechnic devices in all indoor public venues to prevent future disasters.
Government Response to the Fire
Following the fire, which claimed the lives of 40 individuals and left 116 injured, authorities announced that each victim’s family would receive an emergency payment of 10,000 francs (approximately $12,500 or £9,200). Additionally, a fund is being established to collect donations aimed at supporting the victims and their families.
Fire Incident Details
The tragedy took place at Le Constellation bar in the popular ski resort town of Crans-Montana. The incident is believed to have been sparked by sparklers attached to champagne bottles igniting soundproof foam installed on the ceiling. In light of the incident, the canton of Geneva has also followed suit, prohibiting pyrotechnics in indoor areas shortly after Vaud became the first region in Switzerland to enact such a ban.
Investigation and Accusations
Authorities revealed that the bar had not undergone safety inspections for five years, shocking many victims’ families. The owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, a French couple, now face serious accusations, including manslaughter by negligence. Jacques Moretti is currently held in custody for a preliminary period of 90 days, while Jessica has surrendered her passport and is required to report to police daily.
Impact on Victims and Families
Among the victims were several young individuals; tragically, eight of them were under the age of 16. Many of those injured sustained severe burns, with eighty individuals remaining hospitalized across Switzerland and other European nations. A lawyer representing the victims’ families announced the launch of an online platform for gathering testimonies about the disaster. “This initiative aims to facilitate the investigation for the benefit of the victims,” stated Romain Jordan, emphasizing that it is not intended to replace the official investigations.
Remembering the Victims
One of the deceased, Cyane Panine, a 24-year-old waitress from Sète, France, was captured in a video shortly before the fire, holding a champagne bottle adorned with a sparkler. Her family has expressed that she followed her employer’s instructions and should not be held accountable for the tragic events. “Whatever the outcome of the investigation, this young woman did what she was asked to do,” they said in a statement.
Conclusion
The Crans-Montana fire has shaken the local community to its core, highlighting the urgent need for safety regulations in public spaces. As investigations continue, the authorities focus on addressing the repercussions of this tragedy and ensuring that such incidents never occur again.
Key Takeaways
- The fire in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve resulted in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries.
- Emergency payments of 10,000 francs have been allocated to the victims’ families.
- The bar had not been inspected for safety in five years, leading to serious allegations against its owners.
- An online platform has been created to collect testimonies related to the fire and support the ongoing investigation.