Criminal investigation opened into two officials over deadly new year Swiss fire

"Prosecutors investigating the deadly new year bar fire that killed 40 people in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana have opened a criminal investigation into a current and a former local council official, according to documents and local media reports. The municipality's head of public safety was this week summoned to a hearing next Friday, their lawyer, Nicolas Rivard, confirmed on Thursday, adding that his client would be reserving any statement for the public prosecutors."

"A former council fire safety officer is also due to be questioned by investigators in the south-western canton of Valais on 9 February. Their lawyer, David Aioutz, said his client would be present at the state prosecutor's office then. The official and former official have not been named. Documents from the prosecutor's office seen by Reuters describe both individuals as defendants in the case and indicated that past and present town hall officials could be held responsible for safety failings at Le Constellation bar."

"The bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who face formal charges of negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson, were until now the only suspects under criminal investigation in the tragedy. The new year's inferno also injured 116 people, most of them teenagers. The dead include 21 Swiss nationals, nine French citizens, six Italians, and a person from Belgium, Portugal, Romania and Turkey; the average age was 19."

Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into a current and a former local council official over safety failings related to the New Year bar fire in Crans-Montana. The municipality's head of public safety was summoned to a hearing next Friday and a former council fire safety officer is due to be questioned on 9 February; both are described as defendants. The bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face charges including negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson. The blaze killed 40 people and injured 116, mostly teenagers. Authorities believe sparklers on champagne ignited soundproofing foam in the basement; questions remain about extinguishers and exits, including a narrow staircase.

Read at www.theguardian.com