**Bern, Switzerland** – In the wake of a catastrophic blaze that claimed 40 lives and left 116 people injured on New Year's Eve, two more Swiss cantons have implemented stringent bans on pyrotechnic devices in indoor public spaces. The Swiss cantons of Valais and Geneva have followed the precedent set by Vaud, Switzerland's first region to enact such a prohibitive measure, in a swift and decisive response aimed at averting future tragedies.
The devastating fire, which is believed to have originated from sparklers adorning champagne bottles igniting the sound-dampening foam lining the ceiling of the Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort, has sent shockwaves across the nation. The incident has exposed critical lapses in safety regulations, particularly the revelation that the establishment had not undergone safety inspections for a staggering five years. This lack of oversight has profoundly distressed the families of the victims, many of whom were alarmingly young, with eight individuals under the age of 16.
In the immediate aftermath of the inferno, emergency payments of 10,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately $12,500 or £9,200, are being disbursed to each victim. Concurrently, efforts are underway to establish a dedicated fund designed to solicit further donations to support those affected by the disaster. The legal ramifications of the tragedy are also unfolding, with the bar's co-owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, facing accusations of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Jacques Moretti has been taken into custody for an initial 90-day period, while Jessica Moretti has surrendered her passport and is required to report to the police on a daily basis.
The ripple effect of the fire has extended beyond immediate aid and legal proceedings. The cantonal authorities' decisive legislative action underscores a national commitment to enhancing public safety. The ban on indoor pyrotechnics, though a significant step, is being complemented by initiatives aimed at fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the event. An online platform has been launched to facilitate the collection of testimonies, providing a crucial avenue for survivors and witnesses to share their experiences and contribute to a detailed account of the disaster.
The severity of the injuries sustained is underscored by the fact that eighty of the injured individuals continue to receive treatment in hospitals across Switzerland and other European nations, many suffering from extensive burns. The swift enactment of bans by multiple cantons signifies a collective recognition of the inherent dangers posed by pyrotechnic displays in enclosed environments. While these measures are designed to prevent a recurrence of such devastating events, the focus now shifts to ensuring robust enforcement and fostering a culture of stringent safety compliance within public venues nationwide. The long-term implications for the hospitality industry and event management practices in Switzerland are yet to be fully assessed, but the imperative for enhanced safety protocols has been unequivocally established.