The Swiss prosecutor’s office has started criminal proceedings against a French married couple who run a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort. The owners are facing manslaughter charges after 40 people died in a New Year’s Eve fire at their business.
Swiss law enforcement authorities announced on Saturday that they have opened criminal charges against the French couple who own and operate the Le Constellation bar, where a fire broke out during New Year’s celebrations on Thursday. 40 people died and more than 100 were injured. TASR took the information from the AFP agency.
- The Swiss authorities started criminal prosecution of the bar operators.
- The fire killed 40 people and injured more than 100.
- The cause of the fire was probably sparks in champagne bottles.
- The owners of the bar claim that they have met all safety standards.
The operators are accused, among other things, of negligent homicide
“Last night we opened criminal proceedings against two bar operators. They are accused of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson,” said a statement from police and prosecutors in the Swiss canton of Valais.
According to the general prosecutor of the canton of Valais, Beatrice Pilloud, the fire in the basement of the business was most likely caused by sparks in champagne bottles, which ignited the ceiling covered with noise insulation. “An investigation will determine whether or not this foam complies with standards,” she said on Friday. Several witnesses claim that the ground floor could only be reached from the basement via a narrow staircase.
In an interview with the media on Friday, the owner of the burnt-out bar, Jacques Moretti, insisted that all safety standards had been followed in his establishment. Both Moretti and his wife Jessica have already been questioned as witnesses. Both said they are cooperating fully with law enforcement.
