The Swiss Federal Council has pledged to provide proper support to the victims and their families in connection with the Le Constellation bar fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort on New Year’s Eve. According to preliminary data, about 40 people have died, and about 116 have been injured.
In a government statement, it said that by the end of February the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), together with the Federal Departments of Home Affairs (FDHA) and Finance (FDF), will review the conditions for using federal funds. If necessary, the government will ask Parliament for additional funding.
Victims will receive financial assistance for themselves and their loved ones: hotel accommodation costs, help adjusting to a new living environment in the country and abroad, costs for medical services not covered by insurance, funding for medical insurance, and expenses for medical transport. In addition to immediate financial support, victims will also receive individual consultations.
Government commitments and further actions
According to the government, the next steps depend on the victims’ needs, the level of support from insurers, and the measures planned by the authorities of the canton of Valais. The government’s contributions should be supplementary in nature.
On New Year’s Eve at the Crans-Montana ski resort, a fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar: about 40 people have died and about 116 have been injured. All victims have already been identified.
The region’s chief prosecutor Beatrice Pillu stated that the incident was classified as an accidental fire, and there is no indication of a terrorist attack on the bar and its patrons, who are citizens of various countries.
The probable cause of the fire was Bengal lights used for celebrations on champagne bottles, from which the club’s basement soundproofing caught fire.
On January 2, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that there is no information about any Ukrainians killed or injured as a result of the fire.