In brief
A recent fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana has left families of victims in shock as it was revealed the venue had not undergone inspections for five years. With 40 confirmed dead and criminal investigations underway against the bar's managers, questions arise regarding the municipality's oversight responsibilities.
Families of the victims of a fire at a Swiss bar on New Year's Eve have expressed shock after officials admitted the venue had not undergone safety checks for five years.
Romain Jordan, who represents some of the families, said the 'staggering number of breaches and shortcomings in the inspections raises the question of whether the municipality should be investigated with even greater urgency'.
Prosecutors believe the fire started when champagne bottles with sparklers attached set light to sound-insulating foam on the ceiling. The two bar managers have been placed under criminal investigation, suspected of manslaughter by negligence.
Mayor Nicolas Feraud acknowledged the oversight, stating that they would take responsibility and announcing a ban on sparklers in local venues.
Funerals for some victims, including children, are underway, as many of the injured receive treatment across Europe.
