Crans-Montana: Investigation Widens into Deadly Fire, Mayor Under Scrutiny
The criminal investigation into the fire at the "Le Constellation" club in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, which claimed the lives of 41 people on New Year's Eve, is expanding. The city's mayor, Nicolas FĂ©raud, is now also under scrutiny by the authorities.
The canton of Valais announced that it has placed five current and former officials of the Crans-Montana community under criminal investigation. The investigation concerns the possibility of "negligent arson, negligent homicide, and negligent serious bodily harm."
According to police sources, the mayor, Nicolas FĂ©raud, is among those under investigation. The investigation now concerns a total of nine people, including the club owners and security officials.
The municipality of Crans-Montana has admitted that the necessary safety inspections at the club were not carried out during the period 2020-2025. Nicolas FĂ©raud stated in a press conference that "periodic inspections were not carried out during the period 2020-2025," expressing his regret for the omission.
The prosecutors believe that the fire was caused by sparks from fireworks coming into contact with the roof of the club, which was made of flammable soundproofing panels.