Prosecutors investigating the New Year's bar fire in Crans-Montana that killed 40 people have opened a criminal investigation into two local council officials, documents and local media reports reveal. The municipality's head of public safety and a former fire safety officer are now considered defendants in the case, according to documents from the prosecutor's office seen by Reuters.
The head of public safety has been summoned to a hearing next Friday, his lawyer Nicolas Rivard confirmed. The former fire safety officer is due to be questioned on 9 February. Their lawyers stated their clients would cooperate with investigators. The officials could be held responsible for safety failings at Le Constellation bar, where the fire broke out.
Until now, only the bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, faced formal charges of negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson. The fire also injured 116 people, mostly teenagers. The dead include 21 Swiss nationals, nine French, six Italians, and others from Belgium, Portugal, Romania and Turkey; the average age was 19.
Authorities believe the blaze started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles were held too close to a ceiling clad with soundproofing foam. Questions have been raised about the presence of fire extinguishers and whether exits complied with regulations. Outrage followed the mayor's admission that council safety officers had not carried out annual checks since 2019.
Prosecutors rejected the council's request to become a party to the case. One document stated there were reasons to believe the municipality failed in its duty to enforce regulations, with failings attributable to staff and council members. The Morettis expressed 'indescribable grief' and promised full cooperation.
