Swiss Authorities Expand Investigation into Tragic Crans-Montana Ski Bar Fire that Killed 41 - SnowBrains

"Mayor Feraud is now listed as a defendant and has been summoned for questioning on April 13, Reuters reports. While Feraud did not immediately comment on the recent summons, he publicly acknowledged in January that the municipality had failed to conduct multiple mandatory annual safety inspections at the establishment."

"The January 1 fire at the "Le Constellation" bar stands as one of the deadliest modern disasters in Switzerland. The victims were predominantly teenagers, and the casualty list included six Italian nationals, a detail that has strained diplomatic relations between the neighboring countries."

"With the addition of the mayor and other local officials, the case now involves nine total defendants. The investigation is examining potential charges of negligent homicide, and if convicted, the defendants could face a maximum sentence of four and a half years in prison."

A catastrophic fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on January 1 killed 41 people, predominantly teenagers as young as 14, with six Italian victims straining diplomatic relations. Swiss prosecutors in Valais canton have now charged Mayor Nicolas Feraud and four other current and former local officials alongside the bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti. The mayor previously acknowledged the municipality failed to conduct mandatory annual safety inspections. Nine defendants now face potential negligent homicide charges carrying maximum sentences of four and a half years imprisonment. The investigation examines systemic safety failures at the upscale resort town's establishment.

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