Crans-Montana hearth catastrophe: Responsible for safety checks on the bar – investigations towards ex-municipal officers | EUROtoday

Four weeks after the hearth catastrophe within the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, the general public prosecutor’s workplace has begun an investigation towards a former municipal official, in response to a media report. The man was accountable for the official safety checks on the bar “Le Constellation”, the place 40 individuals died in a fireplace on New Year’s Eve, the radio station RTS reported.

According to RTS, the ex-municipal official is scheduled to be questioned on February ninth. What suspicion there was towards him initially remained open. At a press convention a couple of days after the accident, representatives of the native administration admitted that fireside security inspections had not been carried out within the bar for years. Annual security checks are literally required.

According to the report, which means the investigation is increasing – up to now solely the 2 operators of the bar have been investigated. Investigators consider the catastrophe was attributable to fireworks hooked up to bottles that have been held too near the foam-lined ceiling. The bar operators are being investigated on suspicion of negligent murder, negligent bodily hurt and negligent arson.

The Swiss judiciary’s resolution to launch bar operator Jacques Moretti from custody after two weeks on bail just lately triggered diplomatic tensions with Italy – six Italian youngsters have been among the many fatalities. Italy recalled its ambassador to Switzerland for consultations. He ought to solely return to Bern when a joint Swiss-Italian crew of investigators is about as much as examine the accident.

The Swiss authorities mentioned the criticism from Rome in a cupboard assembly on Wednesday. The authorities joins the decision for a “thorough and professional investigation into the causes and responsibilities” for the catastrophe, authorities spokeswoman Nicole Lamon stated afterwards. The public prosecutor’s workplace within the accountable canton of Valais desires to resolve this week on an Italian request for judicial cooperation.

Downhill race in reminiscence of the victims

Exactly one month after the hearth catastrophe, an Alpine Ski World Cup downhill race will happen in Crans-Montana on Sunday. The church bells will ring shortly beforehand to commemorate the victims of the hearth. For causes of piety, there is no such thing as a sponsorship promoting on the World Cup.

Members of the Italian ski crew held a minute’s silence on the scene of the accident on Wednesday.