A teenager who was injured during a devastating fire at a bar in a Swiss ski resort on New Year's Eve has died, increasing the death toll to 41, according to the local public prosecutor. The tragic announcement noted that the 18-year-old Swiss national passed away at a Zurich hospital on January 31. The fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a popular spot among younger visitors, injured 116 others, with most victims being teenagers, and some as young as 16.
The investigation into the incident reveals that the fire may have started from sparklers igniting soundproof foam on the bar's ceiling. Authorities have reported that the establishment had not undergone safety checks for five years, raising serious concerns about compliance with safety regulations.
In response to the incident, the bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face multiple charges including negligence resulting in manslaughter, and criminal proceedings have been initiated against local officials associated with fire safety inspections. Jessica Moretti is currently under a travel ban, and while Jacques Moretti has been placed in custody, he awaits further legal proceedings.
As of now, 44 patients from the incident are receiving treatment abroad, including those in neighboring countries like France and Germany. The local community has expressed grief and outrage over the tragedy, with many victims still recovering from severe burns in hospitals.
The investigation into the incident reveals that the fire may have started from sparklers igniting soundproof foam on the bar's ceiling. Authorities have reported that the establishment had not undergone safety checks for five years, raising serious concerns about compliance with safety regulations.
In response to the incident, the bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face multiple charges including negligence resulting in manslaughter, and criminal proceedings have been initiated against local officials associated with fire safety inspections. Jessica Moretti is currently under a travel ban, and while Jacques Moretti has been placed in custody, he awaits further legal proceedings.
As of now, 44 patients from the incident are receiving treatment abroad, including those in neighboring countries like France and Germany. The local community has expressed grief and outrage over the tragedy, with many victims still recovering from severe burns in hospitals.
