by Janice McAllister
An 18-year-old succumbs to injuries a month after the deadly New Year’s blaze in Crans-Montana
The death toll from the devastating fire at a Swiss Alpine bar during New Year’s celebrations has risen to 41, following the death of an 18-year-old Swiss national in a Zurich hospital.
Swiss prosecutors confirmed that the teenager died on Saturday from injuries sustained in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight on 1 January at the crowded Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. More than 100 people were injured in the incident, one of the deadliest fires in Switzerland in recent years.
In a brief statement released on Sunday, the public prosecutor’s office said it would not provide further details on the investigation at this stage.
Investigators believe the fire was sparked by sparkling candles placed on top of Champagne bottles, a popular celebratory feature that allegedly ignited when flames came too close to the bar’s ceiling. Authorities are examining whether the ceiling’s soundproofing materials complied with fire safety regulations and whether the use of such candles was permitted inside the venue. According to officials, the bar had not undergone a fire safety inspection since 2019.
Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the bar’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, a French couple, on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and causing a fire through negligence. On 12 January, a court in the Valais region ordered Jacques Moretti to be held in pretrial detention for three months, but he was released on bail on 23 January.
Flowers, letters and candles continue to be laid outside the sealed-off bar as mourners pay tribute to the victims. The tragedy has deeply shaken Crans-Montana, a well-known Alpine resort in the Valais region that regularly hosts international ski competitions and attracts visitors from around the world.
(Associated Medias) – all rights reserved
L’articolo Swiss Alpine Bar Fire Death Toll Rises to 41 After Teenager Dies proviene da Associated Medias.
