In brief
The Swiss canton of Valais has instituted a ban on the use of pyrotechnics in indoor public venues after a catastrophic fire at a ski bar claimed 40 lives and injured 116 others. The tragedy, which occurred on New Year's Eve, has prompted emergency payments for victims and raised concerns over the bar's safety inspections. Authorities are also pursuing legal action against the owners for negligence.
The Swiss canton of Valais has banned pyrotechnic devices in all indoor public venues following the devastating fire at a bar on New Year's Eve where 40 people were killed and 116 were injured.
Authorities said each of the victims would receive a 10,000 franc ($12,500; £9,200) emergency payment, with a fund being established to collect further donations.
Notably, the canton of Geneva has also announced a ban on pyrotechnics in indoor venues, following similar measures taken by Vaud, making it the first of Switzerland's 26 regions to adopt such a decision.
The blaze at Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana is believed to have started when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited sound-insulating foam on the ceiling.
In light of the tragedy, authorities acknowledged that the bar had not undergone safety inspections for five years. This alarming revelation has shocked the victims' families, most of whom lost young loved ones, including eight individuals under the age of 16.
Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the French co-owners of the bar, have been accused of various charges related to negligence, with Jacques currently held in custody for an initial period of 90 days.
The aftermath of the fire has left many injured individuals hospitalized across Switzerland and Europe, with some suffering severe burns. In an effort to support the victims, an online platform has been initiated to gather testimonies linked to the tragedy, aiding ongoing investigations.
The late waitress, Cyane Panine, 24, was noted for following her employers' instructions the night of the incident, further emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the fire.
