Accountability Sought After Fire Safety Lapses at Crans-Montana Bar

The tragic fire at the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana, which claimed 41 lives and injured over a hundred, has exposed a disturbing pattern of negligence in fire safety oversight. While the devastating loss of life is undeniable, the question of accountability has become a complex web, with various parties attempting to shift responsibility.

It appears undisputed that inspections of the bar were severely lacking, with official controls not having been conducted since 2019, despite legal requirements for annual checks. Municipal President Nicolas Féraud, questioned by authorities, claims he was unaware of the lapse until after the fire. However, victim lawyers argue that ignorance does not absolve him, especially given the legal mandate for regular inspections. The investigation now includes Féraud and eight others, including the bar's operators, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who face charges including negligent homicide.

Adding another layer to this tragedy, victim lawyers are now turning their attention to the insurance companies, specifically Axa Switzerland, with whom the bar operators held liability insurance. They are petitioning the Walliser public prosecutor's office to seize insurance files, seeking to determine if the insurer conducted any fire safety checks, particularly after a 2015 renovation. The argument is that if the insurer also failed in its duty of care, it could be liable for damages exceeding the policy's limits. This legal maneuver highlights a critical aspect often overlooked in such disasters: the potential role of insurers in ensuring safety standards, beyond simply providing coverage. The response from Axa Switzerland has been non-committal, stating only that the policy was a standard contract with a limited coverage sum, typically between 5 and 20 million Swiss francs. The ongoing investigation and legal actions underscore the urgent need for clear accountability and robust safety protocols to prevent future catastrophes.