fire - Swisstamil

Fourteenth Suspect Charged in Crans-Montana Fire Investigation.

Swiss investigators have charged another individual in connection with the deadly Crans-Montana fire case, expanding the ongoing criminal investigation into one of the country’s worst recent tragedies.

According to reports from RTS, a municipal employee from Crans-Montana was formally placed under investigation during police questioning in the city of Sion on Tuesday.

The employee initially appeared before authorities as a person asked to provide information, a legal status positioned between witness and suspect. However, investigators reportedly interrupted the hearing and consulted prosecutors overseeing the case before changing the individual’s status to that of a formal defendant.

After being informed of the new status, the employee declined to continue the interrogation, which then ended.

Authorities believe the suspect may have had knowledge linked to renovation work carried out in 2015 at the Le Constellation bar, the site of the deadly fire. At the time, the employee worked in the Construction Department of the former municipality of Chermignon and currently remains active in the construction sector for the municipality of Crans-Montana.

The latest development brings the total number of individuals under investigation to 14. Those being investigated now include the bar owners, elected or former public officials, and several municipal employees.

The tragedy triggered widespread scrutiny over fire safety standards, renovation oversight, and administrative accountability in Switzerland. Investigators continue examining whether violations of construction regulations or oversight failures contributed to the disaster.

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French Victim of Crans-Montana Fire Files Cross-Border Compensation Claim

A young French woman severely injured in the Crans-Montana bar fire in Switzerland has filed a compensation claim with the Crime Victims Compensation Commission (CIVI) at the Paris Judicial Court.

The 26-year-old victim suffered life-changing injuries in the New Year’s fire, which killed 41 people and injured more than 100 others. According to her lawyer, Sébastien Fanti, she sustained second- and third-degree burns covering 58.5% of her body and has lost the use of both hands.

The legal claim seeks compensation for severe physical, psychological, and functional damage, as well as the loss of her ability to work. While the exact amount has not been disclosed, the lawyer stated it reflects the “exceptional severity” of the injuries.

The legal action aims to use both Swiss and French legal systems to ensure the victim receives financial support to rebuild her life. The lawyer emphasized that while no compensation can undo the suffering, it can help provide a path toward recovery and stability.

The case is linked to a broader criminal investigation launched after allegations of culpable fire, grievous bodily harm, and violations of building safety regulations. The complaint was filed with the Valais public prosecutor’s office and targets individuals responsible for managing and supervising the premises.

The investigation also extends to potential administrative and political responsibility, as legal representatives argue that accountability may involve multiple levels of oversight failure.

Authorities in the canton of Valais have confirmed receipt of the complaint and continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.