Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud told prosecutors on Monday he had no knowledge that safety inspections had been neglected for six years at a Swiss ski resort bar that killed 41 people during New Year celebrations.
Feraud was questioned by public prosecutors as part of a criminal investigation into the blaze at Le Constellation bar. The fire, which occurred on January 1, also left 115 people injured, many with severe burns.
According to local regulations, the establishment was required to undergo annual safety checks. However, Feraud previously stated that no inspections had been conducted at the venue since 2019.
Defense attorney Christian Delaloye stated his client was not informed of the lack of inspections until January 2. Delaloye added that Feraud had provided his staff with the necessary resources to conduct the required checks.
Investigation targets negligence
Prosecutors are investigating nine individuals, including Feraud, to determine criminal responsibility. The investigation also focuses on the bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti.
The Morettis face charges including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Investigators believe the fire ignited when champagne bottles with attached sparklers were raised near the ceiling, igniting sound-insulation foam in the basement.
Lawyers for the victims' families expressed dissatisfaction with the information provided during recent hearings. Alain Viscolo, representing civil parties, criticized the lack of clarity regarding why inspections ceased six years ago.
"We didn't get answers to the key question - why there were no inspections for six years," Viscolo said. He added that while the public safety system was discussed, those in charge appeared to hold very little actual responsibility.
Lawyer Romain Jordan, representing several bereaved families, noted that the proceedings are revealing the specific dynamics of negligence that led to the tragedy.
