Swiss authorities admit to six-year oversight before fatal fire
“These soundproof panels were never inspected because our security managers did not consider it necessary,” he said. “The courts will have to decide whether this should be done regardless.”
Prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the bar’s owners and believe the fire started when sparks from fireworks ignited the foam above.
A video of the celebration last Thursday showed young people slowly reacting to flames on the foam, before panicking as dozens realized the danger and tried to escape down a single staircase into the street.
Police identified all 116 people injured in the fire after several days of identification, including the use of DNA due to the severity of the burns. More than half of the injured are Swiss.
The Australian government said an Australian was among the injured, which was confirmed by Swiss police on Tuesday, but no other details about the person’s identity, location or injuries were released. Police said 83 of the victims remained hospitalized Tuesday.
Bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti said in a statement on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) that they were devastated by the fire and had full confidence in the investigation.
Candles, flags and flowers in memory of those who lost their lives in the bar fire in Crans-Montana.Credit: access point
“We are devastated and overwhelmed with grief; our thoughts are constantly with the victims, those who grieved them cruelly and prematurely, and all those who fought for their lives,” the couple said in a statement carried by Swiss media.
“No words can adequately describe the tragedy that occurred that night at Constellation.
“We will not escape our responsibilities in any way”
Loading
The State of Valais announced that a ceremony to honor the victims will be held in Martigny on Friday, and French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to join Swiss and other leaders at the event.
Most of those killed were teenagers, with the youngest only 14 years old, authorities said. According to the police statement, those injured include 68 Swiss citizens, 21 French citizens, 10 Italians, four Serbs, two Poles and one person each from Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Portugal and the Republic of Congo. There were also four dual citizens: France and Finland, France and Italy, Switzerland and Belgium, and Italy and the Philippines.
via Reuters
