Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Crans-Montana Fire Investigation Focuses on Video Evidence With Charges Under Review

Prosecutors are reviewing CCTV alongside party footage to test graver culpability.

Overview

  • Cantonal police, working with the University of Lausanne’s criminal science school and the Swiss Police Institute, are analyzing seized CCTV and party videos to deliver a detailed reconstruction, the police chief said.
  • Swiss legal experts say the emerging footage could justify shifting from negligence to intent, exposing the owners to significantly longer prison terms reportedly reaching about 20 years.
  • Recovered clips reportedly show no staff actions to fight the blaze or direct people to exits, and security personnel are being examined for possible failure to assist.
  • A New Year’s 2020 video shows sparklers raised near a sound-absorbing ceiling as staff warn “Attenzione alla schiuma,” which jurists cite as possible evidence the risks were known.
  • The owners are slated to be questioned again on Friday with victims’ lawyers present, and a surviving waitress will also be heard, according to BFM TV reports.