The Swiss canton of Valais will provide financial assistance to the victims of the fire in the tourist resort of Crans-Montana and their families. Referring to the cantonal government, the Reuters agency specified that the families of the 40 people who died in the New Year’s fire and the 116 injured will pay 10,000 Swiss francs (10,700 euros) each, writes TASR.
- The canton of Valais will provide financial assistance to the victims of the fire in Crans-Montana.
- The families of 40 deceased and 116 injured will be paid 10,000 francs each.
- About 80 injured with serious injuries remain in hospital.
- The use of pyrotechnics in covered public spaces is prohibited.
- The investigation focuses on the owners of the bar, one of them was sent to custody.
Reuters added that approximately 80 remain injured in hospitals with serious injuries. In addition, the government of the canton of Valais announced plans to establish a foundation to support the victims of the fire. Donations from individuals and organizations will be distributed according to agreements that have not yet been finalized.
In connection with the tragedy that occurred on the night of January 1, sa the canton of Valais decided to ban the use of pyrotechnic devices in covered areas open to the public. The municipality of Crans-Montana also adopted the same measure.
Initial findings suggest that the fire was apparently caused by sparklers or some other type of fireworks attached to champagne bottles. People probably held them too close to the ceiling, which caught fire, with the fire quickly spreading throughout the bar. The investigation focuses on the foam insulation in the ceiling and whether it met fire safety regulations.
The investigation is conducted only against the owners of the bar, who were accused of involuntary manslaughter, involuntary bodily harm, and involuntary arson. On Monday, a Swiss court sent the co-owner of the bar, Jacqua Moretti, to three months in custody.
