The Swiss federal government on Wednesday tasked former Neuchâtel cantonal government member Laurent Kurth with leading discussions related to the effects of the deadly New Year’s fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. The goal is to reach an out-of-court settlement with the injured parties. TASR informs about this on the basis of the DPA agency and the swissinfo website.
- The Swiss government appointed Laurent Kurth to lead the discussions on compensation for the victims of the fire.
- The round table is supposed to reach an out-of-court settlement between victims and insurance companies.
- The disaster in the bar was caused by pyrotechnics attached to champagne bottles near the ceiling.
As chairman of the round table, Kurth will try to reach an agreement between the victims of the disaster, their relatives, insurance companies, the authorities involved and others who might be obliged to pay compensation.
Kurt’s work and experience
Kurth in the canton of Neuchâtel headed the department of finance and health for more than 11 years and now works as an independent consultant in the field of health and public finance. “Kurth has extensive experience managing highly complex processes involving many different stakeholders,” the federal government said in a statement.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the disaster at the Crans-Montana ski resort was caused by sparklers or other fireworks that were attached to champagne bottles by bar patrons celebrating the arrival of the new year. Apparently they were held close to the ceiling, which ignited the insulation and the bar was almost immediately engulfed in flames. 41 people died and dozens were hospitalized with severe burns.
Investigations and charges
13 persons are accused in the case, including current or former local representatives. Among them are the owners of the bar Le Constellation Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica. They are suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and arson.
The Italian prosecutor’s office launched its own investigation into the tragic event this week, as six Italian citizens were among the victims.
Italian criticism of treatment prices
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday criticized the high fees charged by Swiss hospitals for the treatment of the injured. According to her, the hospital in Sion asked for more than 70,000 euros for a few hours of hospitalization.
“It is an insult and a mockery that only an inhuman bureaucracy can cause,” ANSA quoted the prime minister as saying. The Swiss government assured her that this was a mistake.
Nevertheless, Meloni has tasked the Italian ambassador in Bern to see that the Swiss authorities keep their promises, reimburse the costs, and the affected Italian families will not have to pay a single euro.
