Overview
A deadly New Year’s fire tore through Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 41 people and injuring 115. Investigators believe sparklers ignited highly flammable ceiling foam, while survivors and victims’ families are now pursuing insurance payouts and compensation claims as authorities examine responsibility for the disaster.
- Switzerland will pay CHF 50,000 to each hospitalized survivor and to families of those killed, on top of CHF 10,000 from Valais.
- The government could add up to CHF 20 mn to an out-of-court compensation scheme, while insurers remain responsible for covered claims.
Swiss compensation for Crans-Montana victims
Switzerland will pay CHF 50,000 to people hospitalised after the deadly Crans-Montana bar fire and to relatives of those killed, after the government concluded existing support arrangements were insufficient for a disaster involving so many casualties.
The federal solidarity contribution comes in addition to CHF 10,000 being paid by the canton of Valais. 41 people died and 115 were injured in the New Year’s fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort.
The Federal Council said the payment is intended to provide rapid financial assistance, cover immediate difficulties and give victims short-term relief.
Existing victim-support programmes, together with public and private insurance, were designed mainly to handle individual cases and were reaching their limits after an incident involving more than 150 dead or injured people.
Switzerland is also preparing a broader compensation process. The federal government plans to bring together victims, insurers and public authorities to discuss an out-of-court settlement that could reduce the need for years of litigation.
If an agreement is reached, the government said it could contribute up to CHF 20 mn toward those settlements. Justice Minister Beat Jans said this federal funding would remain supplementary, with insurers still required to pay amounts due under applicable insurance policies.
The compensation process is developing alongside criminal investigations into the fire and scrutiny of local authorities in Valais.
Swiss prosecutors have also agreed to cooperate with Italian authorities after criticism from Italy over the handling of the disaster and the treatment of Italian victims.
Bar owners face continuing investigation
Jessica and Jacques Moretti, owners of Le Constellation, face criminal allegations including negligent homicide and negligent arson. Another group of current and former local officials has also been investigated over the disaster.
Lawyers representing some victims have asked prosecutors to pursue more serious charges against the Morettis after WhatsApp messages from 2019 emerged discussing the fire risk associated with sparklers and materials inside the bar.
In one message, Jessica Moretti warned staff to take care with sparklers because the carpet, sofas or ceiling foam could catch fire. Lawyers for victims argue the messages show the owners knew the acoustic foam was highly flammable before the fire.
The Morettis deny wrongdoing. Their lawyers have rejected claims that the couple knowingly accepted the risk of fatal consequences.
Investigators believe the fire began in the basement when sparklers attached to champagne bottles were held too close to sound-insulating foam on the ceiling. Prosecutors are also examining safety oversight after reports that required inspections had not been carried out at the venue since 2019.
Rehabilitation remains underway
Medical treatment for many survivors has continued for months. Swiss rehabilitation clinics admitted 42 people affected by the fire from Jan. 1, with ten patients still undergoing treatment in Sion and Bellikon as of early September.
The clinics normally treat between 20 and 30 comparable patients during an entire year and had to reorganise operations after the fire.
Doctors said severe burn patients often require long rehabilitation involving several medical specialties before they are able to return to work, education or daily life.
Gianni Roberto Rossi, CEO of the rehabilitation clinics in Sion and Bellikon, said the treatment process needs to begin alongside acute medical care rather than after a patient enters rehabilitation. For many survivors, he said, recovery remains far from complete.
French victim seeks €8.2 mn
Separate civil claims indicate how much larger compensation demands could become for survivors with severe injuries. A French woman seriously injured in the fire has filed a claim for €8.2 mn through a court in Paris.
Her lawyer, Sebastien Fanti, is seeking an initial €2 mn payment for urgent expenses, with the balance intended to cover physical injuries, loss of earnings and care throughout the woman’s life.
He said the amount was based on a preliminary expert assessment and that his client will require lifelong assistance.
Fanti expects French authorities to compensate the woman before seeking recovery from Swiss authorities. He said he expects France to pursue the municipality and the canton of Valais over their alleged responsibility for the disaster.
Italy disputes treatment costs
The financial fallout has also produced tension between Switzerland and Italy. Six Italian teenagers were among those killed, while at least 13 Italian nationals required hospital treatment for severe burns.
Italian media reported that several families received documents from a hospital in Sion listing treatment costs between CHF 17,000 and CHF 68,000.
Swiss authorities said the documents were copies of invoices provided for information and that the families weren’t required to pay them directly.
Under European social security coordination rules, necessary treatment received during a temporary stay abroad is generally billed through the relevant insurance or national health system. Italy has nevertheless questioned whether Switzerland should seek reimbursement given the circumstances of the fire.
The new federal solidarity payments and planned settlement talks create another route for financial assistance alongside insurance, cantonal support and individual compensation claims.
The government has made clear that public money will supplement, rather than replace, payments owed by insurers.
