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Wallis Grants CHF 10,000 to Crans-Montana Fire Victims as Probe Intensifies

The announcement coincides with a ban on indoor pyrotechnics in public venues.

Overview

  • Cantonal officials approved one-time payments of 10,000 Swiss francs to 156 people from 19 countries who were hospitalized or died, and opened a dedicated donations account.
  • Prosecutors are investigating suspected negligent homicide, negligent bodily injury and causing a fire, with owner Jacques Moretti in pretrial detention and Jessica Moretti under travel and reporting restrictions.
  • Preliminary findings indicate spark-emitting table fountains likely ignited ceiling foam, and the owner acknowledged replacing the material during past renovations with store-bought foam.
  • A surveillance clip aired by broadcasters appears to show a small piece of furniture in front of a supposed emergency exit, though the footage has not been officially verified.
  • General prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud faces rising criticism over investigative and communication missteps, as local authorities acknowledged no fire-safety checks at the bar from 2020 to 2025.