Crans-Montana, Switzerland – Nicolas Féraud, the mayor of Crans-Montana, has been placed under formal investigation in connection with the New Year’s Day fire at the Le Constellation bar that claimed the lives of 41 people, including six Italian citizens. The development comes as the investigation expands to include multiple current and former municipal employees, raising serious questions about potential negligence and safety oversights.
The announcement, reported by 24 Heures, follows the filing of a criminal complaint against Féraud in late January by lawyers representing a victim who sustained severe burns and their family. The investigation centers around the tragic incident that occurred on January 1st, and the potential failures that contributed to the scale of the disaster. This investigation into the fire, which also injured 115 people, is ongoing and has already implicated several individuals.
According to reports, Féraud is accused of involuntary manslaughter, negligent injury, and reckless arson, as well as violations of municipal responsibilities related to fire safety and natural disaster preparedness. The Valais public prosecutor’s office extended the criminal investigation to include five additional individuals on March 5th, bringing the total number of those under investigation to nine. These include Kevin Barras, a former municipal councilor responsible for public safety between 2021 and 2024, and three current or former employees of the Public Safety Service. RTS reports that all those under investigation face the same charges as the bar’s managers, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, and the former and current head of security for the municipality.
The investigation, initially focused on the two operators of the bar, has broadened to encompass a wider range of individuals with potential responsibility for safety regulations and oversight. Féraud is scheduled to be questioned by prosecutors in mid-April, according to Le Temps. His lawyer, Christian Delaloye, has not yet commented on the charges, citing a lack of access to the case file.
Timeline of Events
The fire at Le Constellation on January 1st quickly escalated, resulting in a significant loss of life and numerous injuries. Twelve injured individuals remain hospitalized in Switzerland, although 26 are receiving treatment abroad, including nine Swiss citizens. The initial response focused on rescue efforts and providing medical care to the victims. The subsequent investigation has aimed to determine the cause of the fire and identify any potential negligence or violations of safety regulations. Swissinfo.ch details the expansion of the investigation to include the five additional individuals on March 5th.
Sources indicate that Féraud’s path to the presidency of the commune was unexpected. Some describe him as disorganized, while others acknowledge his ability to gain support after a difficult start. But, critics question whether he possessed the necessary experience and leadership qualities for the position.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Valais public prosecutor’s office is continuing its investigation, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Four individuals – three former employees of the bar and one customer present on the night of the fire – are scheduled to be questioned by Paris prosecutors this week. The investigation is also examining potential violations of fire safety regulations and municipal responsibilities. RTL reports that the charges against Féraud and the other newly implicated individuals include negligent homicide.
The tragedy has prompted a thorough review of safety protocols and emergency response procedures in Crans-Montana and beyond. Authorities are working to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The focus remains on supporting the victims and their families, and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire and the roles of those implicated. The upcoming questioning of Nicolas Féraud and other key individuals will be crucial in determining the full extent of responsibility and ensuring justice for the victims and their families. The community of Crans-Montana awaits the outcome of the investigation and the subsequent legal proceedings.
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