Crans-Montana tragedy: Swiss press question lax regulations and insufficient safety measures   

A lack of annual fire safety inspections, a DIY renovation job by owners and inflammable soundproofing panels have prompted accusations of negligence by the Swiss media. The fire in the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve has claimed 40 lives and injured 119 people. With a national day of mourning announced for Friday for the victims, attention has now turned towards determining who is responsible. The Valais public prosecutor's office has opened a criminal investigation against the bar's proprietors, a French couple. They are accused of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligently causing a conflagration. While the authorities stress that the presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is handed down, the Swiss press is already speculating on possible culprits for the loss of so many lives. Fire safety inspections Did the Le Constellation bar meet fire safety norms? In a press conference, Valais state councillor and ...