A young adult, critically injured in a blaze at a Swiss ski resort on New Year’s Eve, has passed away in a local hospital. This tragic incident brings the total number of fatalities to 41, as confirmed by local public prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud.
The victim, an 18-year-old Swiss national, died on January 31st at a Zurich hospital. Further details regarding the circumstances of this individual’s death will not be released at this time, according to the statement from the Wallis canton’s public prosecutor.
Details of the Crans-Montana Incident
The fire erupted at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a resort town known for attracting a younger clientele. The establishment, where the legal drinking age is 16, was filled with patrons when the blaze began. In addition to the fatalities, the incident resulted in injuries to 116 people.
A significant number of those affected were young. Records indicate that eight victims were under the age of 16. Many continue to receive hospital treatment for severe burn injuries.
International and Domestic Medical Treatment
As of Monday, a total of 44 patients were undergoing treatment in foreign hospitals. This breakdown includes 18 individuals in France, 12 in Italy, eight in Germany, and six in Belgium, according to information provided by Switzerland’s Federal Office for Civil Protection to AFP news agency on Friday.
Within Switzerland, 37 patients remained in hospitals as of Monday, as reported by the Wallis health ministry.
Investigation into the Fire’s Origin
Preliminary investigation findings suggest that the fire was started by sparklers attached to champagne bottles. These ignited soundproof foam lining the ceiling of the bar’s basement area. Investigators have also noted that the bar had not undergone mandatory safety inspections for a period of five years.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The owners of Le Constellation bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are facing charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. These accusations have been brought forth by authorities investigating the incident.
Further legal action has been initiated against the municipality’s head of public safety and a former council fire safety inspector.
In a pre-trial measure, a Swiss court has imposed a travel ban on Jessica Moretti. This alternative to detention requires her to surrender her passport and report to the police daily. Ms. Moretti has previously expressed her sorrow to reporters, calling the event an “unthinkable tragedy.” Jacques Moretti is currently being held in custody, with his initial detention period set at 90 days.